Who was singer Rajan Mishra of Rajan-Sajan duo, who died of COVID complications

Indian classical singer Rajan Mishra, better known as Pandit Rajan Mishra, died due to COVID-19 complications in Delhi on Sunday. The 70-year-old represented Banaras gharana and was part of the famous Pandit Rajan Sajan Mishra duo.

Rajan, one of the foremost exponents of ‘khyal’ style along with his brother Sajan Mishra, had a heart attack in the afternoon and then another in the evening, his nephew Amit told PTI.

Born in 1951, Rajan was brought up in Varanasi along with Sajan. He was trained by his grandfather’s brother, Bade Ram Das Ji Mishra, his father, Hanuman Prasad Mishra, and his uncle, Gopal Prasad Mishra, in classical music. He started performing with his brother when they were adolescents.

Also read: ‘Please help’: Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal asks top industrialists for oxygen, tanker

The duo was awarded Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian award, in 2007. They had also received Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, Gandharwa National Award and National Tansen Samman.

Among those who condoled Rajan’s death was Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“The death of Pandit Rajan Mishra ji, who left an indelible mark in the world of classical music, is saddening. The death of Mishra ji, who belonged to Banaras Gharana, is an irreparable loss to the music world. My condolences to his family and fans in this hour of grief. Om Shanti,” the prime minister tweeted.