A deep silence has fallen over the world of Thumri following the passing of Pandit Chhannulal Mishra on Thursday, October 2, 2025. The revered maestro, known as the most mellifluous exponent of this semi-classical art form, succumbed to age-related ailments. From his humble beginnings, Pandit Mishra’s voice found its profound resonance on the sacred ghats of Varanasi. His distinctive, often gravelly, timbre beautifully blended the cosmic ‘naad’ (sound) of Lord Shiva’s damru with the tranquil flow of the Ganga. His unique style, a seamless fusion of the Kirana and Benaras Gharanas, offered a soulful expression of Hindustani classical music’s intricate rigor alongside the tender lyrical nuances of semi-classical compositions.
Pandit Mishra, alongside the legendary Ustad Bismillah Khan, embodied the vibrant, syncretic cultural spirit of Varanasi, a city where the divine presence of Lord Shiva and the holy Ganga carry deep musical and cultural meaning. His versatility also extended to ghazals, where he skillfully wove their emotive lyricism into the rich tapestry of ragas such as Bhairavi and Kafi.
Musically sublime and profoundly spiritual, Pandit Mishra’s artistry was marked by an exquisite sensitivity to poetry, ensuring that each note he sang faithfully conveyed the text’s deeper meaning. Despite being honored with the Padma Vibhushan, he never considered classical music an exclusive realm for the elite. Instead, he consistently uplifted the appreciation of the common listener through his devotional music, which possessed a rare blend of majesty and intimacy. His performances explored universal themes of mysticism, yearning, and cosmic rhythm, delivered in Awadhi, Brijbhasha, and Urdu, often drawing from Sanskrit texts.
Pandit Mishra’s remarkable ability to recite the entire Ramcharitmanas from memory imbued his bhajans with unparalleled scriptural authenticity. Whether depicting Lord Rama’s serene composure or Lord Krishna’s playful charm, he masterfully conveyed the emotional essence of these cultural icons through his voice. His extensive devotional repertoire spanned various forms, from Khayal and Thumri to Chaiti and Hori, and drew inspiration from poets like Tulsidas and Kabir, effortlessly transitioning between classical structures and popular appeal. His signature silver locks, warm, infectious smile, and the gentle strumming of his swarmandal added an ethereal quality to every performance.
For Pandit Mishra, the stage was a sacred space, a temple where he seamlessly transformed from a scholarly narrator to a cherished old friend over the course of a recital. Reflecting on his profound connection with his audience, he once quoted Narada: ‘I don’t live in heaven, nor in the hearts of the Yogis; I live where my devotees sing.’
Born on August 3, 1936, in Hariharpur, Azamgarh district of eastern Uttar Pradesh, Pandit Mishra’s journey into music began under the tutelage of his father, Badri Prasad Mishra. Growing up in challenging circumstances, his rhythmic sensibilities were honed by a rich tapestry of musical influences. His lineage boasted esteemed musicians, including his grandfather, the distinguished tabla player Shanta Prasad, and his father-in-law, another tabla maestro, Pandit Anokhelal Mishra. His rigorous training with Ustad Abdul Ghani Khan of the Kirana Gharana, coupled with his deep engagement with the musical philosophy of scholar Thakur Jaidev Singh, allowed him to transcend conventional gharana boundaries. This enabled him to flawlessly integrate poetic subtleties into the grand framework of Hindustani classical music, where connoisseurs could recognize both the powerful essence of the Patiala gharana and the delicate artistry of the Purab Ang in his captivating renditions.
Even in his 70s, Pandit Mishra successfully captivated a younger demographic when he lent his voice to the song “Saans Albeli” for Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy in Prakash Jha’s 2011 film, Aarakshan. He was, without doubt, a musician without reservations, and his timeless renditions continue to transcend generational divides and diverse musical preferences.
In 2014, Pandit Mishra stepped into the realm of cultural nationalism, famously serving as one of the four proposers for Narendra Modi’s nomination as the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) candidate from Varanasi. As a deeply revered figure in the city, his endorsement played a crucial role in helping Mr. Modi bridge cultural divides. The BJP championed him as a potent symbol of their vision for devotion and development. Following Mr. Modi’s electoral victory, Pandit Mishra delivered a heartfelt ‘Badhaiya’ (congratulatory song) in his inimitable style at the swearing-in ceremony. On Thursday, October 2, 2025, Prime Minister Modi himself led the tributes on social media, fondly recalling Pandit Mishra as a fount of affection and blessings.
Pandit Chhannulal Mishra is survived by his son, the accomplished tabla player Ram Kumar Mishra, and three daughters, ensuring his musical legacy continues.