The world of Indian classical music is mourning the loss of one of its most celebrated voices. Pandit Chhannulal Mishra, the legendary vocalist, passed away on Thursday morning at the age of 89.
The maestro, who had been unwell for some time, breathed his last at 4:15 am at his daughter Namrata’s home in Gangadarshan Colony, Mirzapur.
Just a few weeks earlier, he had been admitted to a hospital following a minor heart attack. After being discharged, he returned to Mirzapur. He was under medical care at the Ramakrishna Mission Hospital until his final days.
His final rites will take place at Manikarnika Ghat in Varanasi on Thursday evening, with full state honours.
The news of his passing has deeply saddened music lovers across India and abroad. Tributes have flooded social media. Fans, students, and fellow musicians are remembering the maestro for his unmatched contribution to Indian classical music.
Also Read: Child star Veer Sharma of ‘Veer Hanuman’, brother Shaurya die in Kota apartment fire
Born on August 3, 1936, in a small village in Uttar Pradesh’s Azamgarh district, Pandit Mishra’s journey in music began at home. His father was his first teacher, nurturing his love for classical singing. Later, he moved to Varanasi for formal training. There he honed his art under Ustad Abdul Ghani Khan of the Kirana Gharana.
Over the years, Pandit Mishra became one of the most respected names in Hindustani classical music. He was especially known for his mastery over the ‘Purab Ang’ style of Thumri. It is a delicate and emotive form of singing that requires both skill and deep expression.
His career, spanning several decades, was decorated with some of the highest honours in Indian art and culture. He received the Uttar Pradesh Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, the Naushad Award, and the Yash Bharati Award.
The Government of India also recognised his immense contribution. They honoured him with the Padma Bhushan in 2010 and the Padma Vibhushan, the country’s second-highest civilian award, in 2020. He was also a recipient of the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship.