Hindustani classical singer Pandit Chhannulal Mishra passes away at 89 after prolonged illness: Who was he?

Padma Vibhushan Pandit Chhannulal Mishra passed away on October 2 at 4 am in Mirzapur after having been unwell for several months. The Hindustani classical singer turned 89 this August.

His last rites will be held in Varanasi today, his daughter Namrata Mishra confirmed to ANI on the phone.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted on social media that he was “deeply saddened” by the demise of the renowned classical singer Pandit Channulal Mishra. PM Modi calls it his “good fortune” that he has always received Pandit Mishra’s affection and blessings.

“He remained dedicated throughout his life to the enrichment of Indian art and culture. Along with taking classical music to the masses, he also made an invaluable contribution to establishing Indian tradition on the global stage,” he wrote.

“In the year 2014, he was also my proposer from the Varanasi seat. In this hour of grief, I express my deepest condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti!” PM Modi added.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also expressed sadness on the demise of the music legend.

Who was Pandit Chhannulal Mishra?

Pandit Chhannulal Mishra was one of India’s finest classical singers. He was known for his command over the Banaras and Kirana gharanas. He was known as a “people’s artist”.

Pandit Mishra's real name was Mohan Lal Mishra. His mother named him Chhannu because it is believed in villages that babies remain alive when they are given a “bad name”. The singer revealed it during an interview on Sansad TV.

Born on August 3, 1936, in Hariharpur, Azamgarh, he first trained under his father, Pandit Badri Prasad Mishra. He later studied with Ustad Abdul Ghani Khan of the Kirana gharana and musicologist Thakur Jaidev Singh.

Pandit Mishra moved to Varanasi four decades ago. He mastered khayal, thumri, dadra, chaiti and kajri, blending Punjab, Purab and Gaya traditions into a soulful style. He was especially loved for devotional music, including recitations from the Ramcharitmanas and songs of Kabir.

Audiences admired his ability to sing the Sunderkaand by heart. Through his work, Mishra kept classical music rooted in tradition while reaching ordinary listeners.