New Delhi, October 2 (HS): Renowned classical vocalist and Padma Bhushan awardee Pandit Chhannulal Mishra passed away at the age of 89. After battling a prolonged illness, Pandit Chhannulal Mishra breathed his last at around 4:15 am early Thursday in Mirzapur. He was suffering from septicemia. His final rites will be held in Varanasi.

Pandit Chhannulal Mishra, a distinguished exponent of the Banaras gharana of Hindustani classical music and particularly known for khayal and 'Purab Ang' – thumri, has left an indelible mark in the field of music. His contributions enriched Indian music through his renditions of thumri, dadra, chaiti, and devotional bhajans, taking classical music closer to the general public.

Born on 3 August 1936 in Azamgarh, Pandit Mishra chose Varanasi as his professional base. He was a recipient of prestigious awards including the Padma Vibhushan in 2020, Padma Bhushan in 2010, and the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 2000. He also received the Yash Bharti Award in 2010.

Pandit Mishra was a top-grade artist at All India Radio and Doordarshan and served as a member of the Ministry of Culture, Government of India (North-Central Zone).

Significantly, during the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, when Narendra Modi contested from Varanasi for the first time, Pandit Chhannulal Mishra was his proposer.

Hindusthan Samachar / Indrani Sarkar