Doyen of classical music who transcended genres and enriched India's cultural legacy

Hindustani classical music legend Pandit Chhannulal Mishra, who embodied the legacy of the Banaras gharana and sang about the joy of Holi, changing seasons, the yearning of love and longing, and the timelessness of the Ramayana, died at his daughter's home in Uttar Pradesh’s Mirzapur early Thursday. He was 89.

- Sudhir Kumar

He is survived by his son, tabla player Ramkumar Mishra, and three daughters, Namrata, Anita and Mamta Mishra.

The exponent suffered a heart attack around a week ago. Family members admitted him to the Ramakrishna Mission Sevasram Hospital in Ojhla, Mirzapur. Since then, he was under treatment. “He had been unwell for a long time and was suffering from anaemia. After the heart attack, doctors examined him and administered two units of blood. This morning, he passed away,” said his daughter, Namrata Mishra.

“He breathed his last at 4:15am this morning at our residence in Ganga Darshan Colony, Mirzapur. His last rites will be performed at Manikarnika Ghat,” she added.