Pt. Rajan Mishra’s jugalbandi with life

Pt. Rajan Mishra’s music perfectly blended the Benaras gharana’s ethos with contemporary sensibility

As the pandemic continues to take away lives, the world of Hindustani classical music suffered another colossal loss with the passing away of Pt. Rajan Mishra. A stalwart of the Benaras gharana, his lifelong jugalbandi with younger brother Pt. Sajan Mishra unveiled several innovative idioms within the traditional khayal gayaki. Enthralling audiences across the globe for over half a century, the maestro is remembered as a charismatic performer, affectionate guru, devoted friend and a true artiste whose generosity embraced all generations. Pune-based veteran vocalist, Suhas Vyas, who shared over 40 years of friendship with the late musician, says, “The first thought that came to my mind was how his brother must be feeling. They have spent every moment of their musical journey together — they were one soul in two bodies.”