Pandit Chhannulal Mishra 1936-2025

1. Passing

• Pandit Chhannulal Mishra , legendary Hindu classical vocalist, died on October 2, 2025 , in Mirzapur, at the age of 89 .
• He died during the festival of Dussehra .

2. Legacy & Recognition

• He was also held as the divine voice of the Banaras Gharana .
• His music was a tradition, piety and purity .
• Other artists called him the folk voice of Kashi and an artist whose replacement could not be found.

3. Background & Training

• Azamgarh, Hariharpur, 1936 .
• First trained by his father, Pandit Badri Prasad Mishra .
• Learned under Ustad Abdul Ghani Khan the Kirana Gharana khayal tradition .
• Further continued with his art refining under the advice of the musicologist Thakur Jaidev Singh .
• Born of a famous tabla maestro Pandit Anokhe Lal .

4. Musical Mastery & Repertoire

• He was a master of classical Khayal gayaki as well as softer folk influenced styles.
• Performed in semi-classical styles such as Thumri, Dadra, Chaiti, Kajri, Sohar and Bhajans.

5. Notable Contributions

• Popular Versions: Sawan Jhar Lagela Dheere Dheere, Kaise Sajan Ghar Jaibe, and Barsan Laagi Badriya (duet with Girija Devi).
• Cinema: Sang in a movie by Prakash Jha in Aarakshan (2011) such as the song "Saans Albeli" and "Kaun Si Dor."