Padma Vibhushan vocalist Pandit Chhannulal Mishra dies at 89
Pandit Chhannulal Mishra, the Banaras gharana Hindustani classical vocalist and Padma Vibhushan awardee, died in Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh, on 2 October 2025 at the age of 89.
Summary
Pandit Chhannulal Mishra, a leading Hindustani classical vocalist of the Banaras gharana, died early on 2 October 2025 in Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh, at the age of 89 after a prolonged illness. Born in Azamgarh in 1936, Mishra was known for khayal, thumri, dadra, chaiti, kajri and bhajan, and for the Purab ang style of thumri. He received the Padma Bhushan in 2010 and the Padma Vibhushan in 2020. Prime Minister Narendra Modi called his death an irreparable loss to Indian music and recalled that Mishra was his proposer from Varanasi in the 2014 Lok Sabha election. His last rites were held in Varanasi.
Key facts
- Died
- 2 Oct 2025, Mirzapur (UP), aged 89
- Born
- 1936, Azamgarh
- Gharana
- Banaras; Purab ang thumri
- Genres
- Khayal, thumri, dadra, chaiti, kajri, bhajan
- Honours
- Padma Bhushan 2010; Padma Vibhushan 2020
- Note
- PM Modi's proposer from Varanasi in 2014
Practice MCQs 3 questions
Pandit Chhannulal Mishra, who died in October 2025, was an exponent of which gharana of Hindustani classical music?
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Correct answer: D — Banaras gharana
Pandit Chhannulal Mishra was one of the foremost exponents of the Banaras gharana.
In which year was Pandit Chhannulal Mishra conferred the Padma Vibhushan?
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Correct answer: B — 2020
He received the Padma Bhushan in 2010 and the Padma Vibhushan in 2020.
Consider the following statements about Pandit Chhannulal Mishra: 1. He was born in Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh, in 1936. 2. He was Narendra Modi's proposer from the Varanasi constituency in the 2014 Lok Sabha election. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both statements are correct as per the PIB condolence release and PTI reports.