Renowned Hindustani classical singer Pandit Chhannulal Mishra has left a void in the world of Indian classical music with his passing at age 89. The Padma Vibhushan awardee died on Thursday at his daughter Namrata’s home in Mirzapur’s Gangadarshan Colony. His grandson carried out the final rites, and the singer received a cremation with full state honors at Varanasi’s sacred Manikarnika Ghat.
Padma Shri recipient Soma Ghosh paid a touching tribute to Mishra, calling him a rare gem in the music world and a true pillar of the Banaras Gharana. “Pandit Chhannulal Ji was one of those dedicated artists who come along very few in a lifetime,” she shared. “His death feels like a huge loss for all of us, especially as such devoted musicians are becoming harder to find. He showed us the path forward.”
Ghosh painted a vivid picture of Mishra’s simple life, saying he lived in a tiny room under the stairs—barely big enough for two people. He slept on floor mattresses, ate his meals there, prayed, and practiced his music with deep focus. “There was no pretense about him,” she added. “No matter who visited, he stayed as pure and approachable as Lord Shiva himself. He dove deep into the scriptures and always honored his music above everything.”
Mishra’s devotion shone through in his songs, blending the soul of folk and devotional music. He was a huge fan of the Ramayana, often reciting and singing it beautifully, and remained an ardent Shiva devotee. Even in his quiet, ascetic ways, he brought dignity to every note he sang, staying true to his fakir-like spirit.
Born on August 3, 1936, in a village in Uttar Pradesh’s Azamgarh district, Mishra started his musical journey under his father’s guidance. He later moved to Banaras for formal training and studied intensely with Ustad Abdul Ghani Khan from the Kirana Gharana. Mishra became a master of the Banaras Gharana style, excelling in Khayal and Purab Ang Thumri. His heartfelt performances won him fans across India and around the globe.
Throughout his career, Pandit Chhannulal Mishra collected top honors for his contributions to Indian classical music. These include the Uttar Pradesh Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, Naushad Award, Yash Bharati Award, Padma Bhushan in 2010, and the prestigious Padma Vibhushan in 2020. He also earned the Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship for his lifelong dedication.
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