Renowned Indian classical singer Pandit Chhannulal Mishra has died at age 85 after a long fight with health problems. His daughter, Namrata Mishra, shared the sad news on Thursday morning from their home in Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh.
Mishra, a master of Hindustani classical music from the Banaras gharana, passed away peacefully at Namrata’s residence. His funeral rites will happen with full state honors at the sacred Manikarnika Ghat in Varanasi later that evening.
Namrata told reporters that her father had been struggling with illness for months. “He spent at least 12 days in the ICU at Banaras Hindu University and two days at Ramakrishna Mission Hospital for close monitoring,” she explained. Doctors warned the family that his age-related conditions wouldn’t improve much, so they brought him home with all the care he needed. In his final two days, he couldn’t speak or open his eyes.
The family plans to take Mishra’s remains to their ancestral home first. His only son is already on his way to Varanasi to help with the arrangements. Namrata also opened up about some family tensions that had bothered her father for a while. Still, she remembered his inspiring daily life. “Everything he said was like a lesson, and even when he was aware, he only wanted to talk about music,” she said.
Born in Banaras (now Varanasi), Mishra shone in the Khayal and Purab Ang styles of classical music. His powerful voice and deep connection to the Banaras tradition made him a legend over decades.
The news has drawn widespread support. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and local officials stepped in to help. Union Home Minister Amit Shah often called Mishra on his birthday, Independence Day, and during health scares. Mirzapur’s District Magistrate and Police Commissioner stayed in touch and promised a dignified procession to the ghat.
Namrata added that the Chief Minister’s Office reached out directly, offering full assistance for the funeral. Even members of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) arrived early to support the family.
Neighbors in Mirzapur are grieving deeply. One local said, “He grew up here and learned his music right in this community. There’s no artist quite like him—he was such a kind man. This is heartbreaking.”
Throughout his career, Mishra earned top honors for his contributions to Indian classical music. He received the Uttar Pradesh Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, Naushad Award, and Yash Bharati Award. In 2010, the Indian government gave him the Padma Bhushan, followed by the even higher Padma Vibhushan in 2020. He also held the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship.
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