Pandit Chhannulal Mishra, who became the identity of the veteran singer and Banaras Gharana of the Hindustani classical music world, died in the early hours of Thursday. He was 89 years old and was ill for a long time. According to the family, he breathed his last at his residence in Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh at around four in the morning.
The body of Pandit Mishra, who was awarded the Padmavibhushan, is being taken to Varanasi for the last rites, where he will be cremated this evening.
Born on 3 August 1936 in Hariharpur village in Azamgarh district, the original name of Pandit Mishra was Mohanlal Mishra. He took early music education from his father and later received training from Ustad Abdul Ghani Khan of Grocery Gharana. He developed his specific style by combining the traditions of both Banaras and Grocery houses.
His singing is considered unique in styles like Khyal, Thumri, Dadra, Kajri and Chainti. He also gave a prominent place in his performances to Bhaktisangi and Kabir’s speech. He won the hearts of millions of listeners with the musical performances of Ramcharitmanas.
The Government of India recognized his contribution and honored Padma Bhushan in 2010 and Padmavibhushan in 2020. Apart from this, he received many national and international awards and honors.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep condolences on the death of Pandit Mishra. He said that Chhannulal Mishra gave new height to Indian art and culture from his life and his departure is irreparable loss to the music world. Modi also said that he always got Mishra’s affection and blessings.
PM Modi further wrote, “It is my good fortune that I always continued to receive his affection and blessings. In 2014, he was also my proponent from Varanasi seat. In this hour of condolence, I express my deep condolences to his family and fans. Om Shanti!”
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also expressed condolences and said that the death of Pandit Mishra is an emergency damage to Indian music.
There is deep mourning among the artists and their disciples of the music world. People believe that his singing not only kept the tradition of Banaras Gharana alive, but also left a permanent heritage for generations to come.