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Legendary Indian Classical Vocalist Pt. Chhannulal Mishra Passes Away at 91
2 Oct
Summary
- Renowned classical vocalist from Banaras gharana
- Recipient of Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian honor
- Proposer for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 2014 Lok Sabha election campaign

Pandit Chhannulal Mishra, a revered figure in the world of Indian classical music and a recipient of the prestigious Padma Vibhushan award, passed away on September 29, 2025, at the age of 91. Mishra, who was a prominent exponent of the Banaras gharana, had been battling a prolonged illness and was admitted to the SSL Hospital in Varanasi earlier this month.
Mishra's demise has left a void in the Indian music landscape, as he was widely acclaimed for his mastery of the Khayal style of singing and his soulful renditions of thumri and Purab Ang. Born in Hariharpur village of Azamgarh district in Uttar Pradesh, Mishra received his initial training from his father, Badri Prasad Mishra, and later learned the intricacies of Indian classical music from Ustad Abdul Gani Khan of the Kirana gharana.
In a tribute, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who had Mishra as one of his proposers during the 2014 Lok Sabha elections in Varanasi, expressed his deep condolences. Modi praised Mishra's lifelong dedication to the enrichment of Indian art and culture, as well as his invaluable contributions in establishing Indian tradition on the world stage.