Pandit Chhannulal Mishra passed away at the age of 89 on Thursday morning (October 2). Reportedly, the maestro took his last breath at 4:15 am at his daughter Namrata’s residence in Mirzapur’s Gangadarshan Colony. Pandit Chhannulal Mishra is known for his soulful renditions and also for his mastery over the Purab Ang style of Thumri.
Health struggles and last moments
As reported by ANI, Pandit Chhannulal Mishra had been unwell for some time. He was recently hospitalized after a minor heart attack. Following his recovery, he returned home to Mirzapur, where he was under the care of doctors at Ramakrishna Mission Hospital. His late rites will be performed with full state honours at Manikarnika Ghat on Thursday evening.
A musical journey spanning decades
Pandit Mishra was born on August 3, 1936, in a village in Azamgarh district, Uttar Pradesh. Pandit Mishra received his early training from his father . This was him before pursuing formal education in Varanasi. He further honed his craft under Ustad Abdul Ghani Khan of the Kirana Gharana. He has earned both national and international acclaim. His interpretation of Purab Ang Thumri was widely celebrated.Pandit Mishra received numerous accolades, including the Uttar Pradesh Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, Naushad Award, and the Yash Bharati Award.The Government of India honoured him with the Padma Bhushan in 2010 and the Padma Vibhushan in 2020. He was also a recipient of the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship. PM Modi paid tribute to the legend by Tweeting, “सुप्रसिद्ध शास्त्रीय गायक पंडित छन्नूलाल मिश्र जी के निधन से अत्यंत दुख हुआ है। वे जीवनपर्यंत भारतीय कला और संस्कृति की समृद्धि के लिए समर्पित रहे। उन्होंने शास्त्रीय संगीत को जन-जन तक पहुंचाने के साथ ही भारतीय परंपरा को विश्व पटल पर प्रतिष्ठित करने में भी अपना अमूल्य योगदान दिया। यह मेरा सौभाग्य है कि मुझे सदैव उनका स्नेह और आशीर्वाद प्राप्त होता रहा। साल 2014 में वे वाराणसी सीट से मेरे प्रस्तावक भी रहे थे। शोक की इस घड़ी में मैं उनके परिजनों और प्रशंसकों के प्रति अपनी गहरी संवेदना प्रकट करता हूं। ओम शांति!,” (It is with deep sorrow that we mourn the passing of the renowned classical singer Pandit Chhannulal Mishra. Throughout his life, he remained devoted to the richness of Indian art and culture. He not only brought classical music to the masses but also played an invaluable role in establishing Indian traditions on the global stage. I consider it my good fortune to have always received his affection and blessings. In 2014, he was even my proposer from the Varanasi constituency. In this time of grief, I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti!)
