A profound silence descended upon the world of Thumri on Thursday, October 2, 2025, with the passing of Pandit Chhannulal Mishra, a peerless master of this semi-classical art form. He succumbed to age-related ailments, leaving behind a legacy woven from humble beginnings. Pandit Mishra’s captivating voice blossomed on the sacred ghats of Benaras, his rich, gravelly tone echoing the cosmic naad of Lord Shiva’s damru and the tranquil flow of the Ganga. His unique style, a harmonious blend of the Kirana and Benaras Gharanas, effortlessly combined the intricate discipline of Hindustani classical music with the tender, lyrical beauty of semi-classical genres, touching listeners deeply.
Alongside the revered Ustad Bismillah Khan, Pandit Mishra embodied the rich, syncretic cultural tapestry of Varanasi, a city where the spiritual presence of Lord Shiva and the holy Ganga profoundly shaped both music and tradition. He also occasionally explored ghazals, beautifully weaving their emotional poetry into classical ragas such as Bhairavi and Kafi.
Spiritually evocative and musically sublime, Pandit Mishra possessed an incredible sensitivity to poetry, ensuring that each note he sang profoundly served the text’s deeper meaning. For this humble recipient of the Padma Vibhushan, classical music was never an exclusive art form reserved only for the elite. Instead, he broadened the appreciation of everyday listeners with his devotional music, which felt simultaneously majestic and intimately personal. His repertoire explored themes of mysticism, longing, and cosmic rhythm, delivered through Awadhi, Brijbhasha, and Urdu, often sprinkled with Sanskrit influences.
His remarkable ability to recite the entire Ramcharitmanas from memory imbued his bhajans with profound scriptural authenticity. Pandit Mishra vividly brought to life the emotional essence of cultural icons, from the serene poise of Rama to the playful charm of Krishna, all through his magnificent singing. His extensive devotional repertoire spanned various forms, from the intricate khayal and thumri to lively chaiti and hori, drawing inspiration from revered poets like Tulsidas and Kabir. It seamlessly traversed the spectrum from classical to popular, from structured form to boundless expression. His signature silver hair, infectious smile, and the gentle strumming of his swarmandal added an ethereal charm to his captivating performances.
For Pandit Mishra, the stage was a sacred space, a temple where he effortlessly transitioned from a scholarly narrator to a cherished old friend throughout his recitals. He beautifully articulated his deep connection with his audience by quoting Narada: “I don’t live in heaven nor in the hearts of the Yogis; I live where my devotees sing.”
Born into a family deeply steeped in music on August 3, 1936, in Hariharpur, Azamgarh district, eastern Uttar Pradesh, Pandit Mishra’s journey into music began with his father, Badri Prasad Mishra. Despite growing up in scarcity, his rhythmic sensibilities were nurtured and enriched by a diverse array of musical influences. His grandfather, Shanta Prasad, was a renowned tabla player, and the celebrated tabla virtuoso, Pandit Anokhelal Mishra, was his father-in-law. His rigorous training under Ustad Abdul Ghani Khan of the Kirana Gharana, combined with his exposure to the profound musical philosophy of musicologist Thakur Jaidev Singh, allowed him to gracefully transcend the conventional boundaries of gharana and kahandan. This enabled him to perfectly weave the intricate nuances of poetry into Hindustani classical structures. Connoisseurs could distinctly perceive the vibrant energy of the Patiala Gharana and the delicate subtlety of the Purab Ang in his breathtaking vocalizations.
Even in his 70s, Pandit Mishra captivated a new, younger audience when he lent his voice to “Saans Albeli,” composed by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy for Prakash Jha’s 2011 film, Aarakshan. He truly was a musician without boundaries, whose timeless renditions continue to resonate across generations and diverse musical palates.
In 2014, Pandit Mishra stepped into the national spotlight as a poignant symbol of cultural unity when he served as one of four proposers for Narendra Modi’s nomination as the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) candidate from Varanasi. As a deeply revered figure in the holy city, his public endorsement significantly helped Mr. Modi bridge cultural divides. The BJP skillfully presented Pandit Mishra as the embodiment of its vision for devotion and development. Following Mr. Modi’s electoral triumph, Pandit Mishra performed Badhaiya (a song of congratulations) in his iconic style at the swearing-in ceremony. On Thursday, October 2, 2025, Prime Minister Modi himself led the widespread tributes on social media, affectionately describing Pandit Mishra as a cherished source of warmth and blessings.
He is survived by his talented son, tabla player Ram Kumar Mishra, and three daughters.