Padma Bhushan Pandit Rajan Mishra passes away at the age of 69. Eminent Hindustani Classical Vocalist Pandit Rajan Mishra of Benaras Gharana passed away (28 October 1951 – 25 April 2021) was a renowned singer of the Khyal style of Indian Classical Music. He always performed with his younger brother Pandit Sajan Mishra. He was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2007, Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, jointly with his brother in 1998, the Gandharva National Award for 1994-1995, and the prestigious National Tansen Samman 2011-2012 on 14 December 2012.

Author Rhythm Wagholikar, whoÂs known for his works on legends of the art, music, and film world says, “It is unbelievable, Shocked and in disbelief still. I was privileged to interview him just last week for an upcoming project. His thoughts were just mellifluous just like his music. His command over music, literature, and musical lineages had few parallels. There is so much to learn from him. Undoubtedly, Pandit Rajan Mishra along with his brother Pandit Sanjan Mishra has enthralled the audiences with their music for decades. ItÂs a huge loss. His music would resonate and continue to influence generations to come. Prayers and thoughts to all his family and admirers all over.Â

Pandit Rajan Mishra was born and brought up in Varanasi. He along with his younger brother received his initial musical training from his grandfather’s brother, Bade Ram Das Ji Mishra, and also his father, Hanuman Prasad Mishra, and from his uncle, sarangi virtuoso, Gopal Prasad Mishra, and started performing while he was still in his teens. He along with his brother moved to Ramesh Nagar in Delhi, in 1977, where they continued to live. Pt. Rajan and Pt. Sajan Mishra is part of a 300-year-old lineage of khyal singing of the Banaras Gharana, the Mishra brothers have been performing to audiences all over Indian and the world for many years.