Pandit Chhannulal Mishra is one of the greatest and most gifted classical vocalists of India. He can be reckoned among the all time great vocalists to hail from the ancient city of Varanasi. Pandit Mishra holds his audience spell-bound with his mellifluous renditions. He has the distinction of being a versatile vocalist, equally proficient in classical and light classical music. Today, he is considered one of Indian finest exponents in presenting a unique blend of gayakis in his khayal, dadra, thumri, chaiti, kajri, hori and bhajans.

Chhannulal Mishra was born on 3rd August 1936 to a renowned musical family. His grandfather was the noted tabla player, `Gudai Maharaj` or Samta Prasad. Having been initiated into the nuances of music by his father, the late Pt. Badri Prasad Mishra, he moved from his village Hariharpur in district Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh, to learn music from Ustad Abdul Ghani Khan of the Kirana gharana. He went on to groom under the renowned musicologist, the late Padmabhushan Thakur Jaidev Singh. This bond of the master and the pupil was nurtured in the time-honoured tradition of Guru-shishya parampara.

Although the vocal style that Mishra ji has evolved is a blend of the ecstatic Kirana Badhat and the highly embellished features of the Patiala Gharana, his classical pieces reveal a streak of spirituality that transcends the confines of gharana styles. His eclectic style thus draws on leading traditions of lndian Classical and Semi Classical music. His elaborations are distinguished by his aesthetic approach and his rich understanding of the literature of music. Chhannulal Mishra has been blessed with an extraordinary musical fluidity. His performances display easy mastery over rhythm and melody, dazzling his listeners.

He has travelled extensively and has performed at numerous musical conferences and concerts both in India and abroad, He was also invited by I.C.C.R, during the 50th anniversary celebrations of India`s Independence, and he toured and performed at many places in the U.S.A. including Washington DC, New York and Chicago. He had the privilege of presenting his concert at the Smithsonian in the Air and Space auditorium (Washington D.C.).

In recognition of his musical acumen, Mishra ji has been distinguished with numerous prestigious honours, the most recent being the Padma Bhusan by the Government of India on 25th Janauray, 2010. He is a Top Grade artist at the All India Radio and Doordarshan and is a member of Ministry of Culture (North-central) Govt. of India. He has also released many albums.

Pandit Mishra currently lives in Varanasi, where he teaches music not only to Indian students, but also to many foreign students, thus transferring his knowledge and perpetuating his musical legacy.

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