Sajan Mishra, Classical Vocalist
Classical Vocalist

Sajan Mishra

· Uttar Pradesh

Receiving the Padma Bhushan in 2007 for contributions to Indian classical khyal singing.

Rajan and Sajan Mishra are brothers, singers of the khyal style of Indian classical music. They were awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2007, Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, jointly in 1998, the Gandharwa National Award for 1994–1995 and the National Tansen Samman 2011–2012 on 14 December 2012.

✨

A detail that
surprised us

“

Satguru Jagjit Singh personally offered to double their wages in 1977 to support their musical practice after hearing them sing while they were accountants.

The Story

1
In 1978, Rajan and Sajan Mishra performed their first international concert in Sri Lanka, marking the beginning of their global exposure to classical music audiences.
2
🎤 In 1998, the brothers jointly received the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, recognizing their dedication to preserving the khyal tradition of the Banaras Gharana.
3The Mishra brothers hail from a 300-year-old lineage of Banaras Gharana khyal singers, trained initially by their grandfather's brother, Bade Ram Das Ji Mishra, highlighting a rare continuity of musical heritage through generations.
4💼 Before fully committing to music, Rajan and Sajan worked as accountants in a small shop, until Satguru Jagjit Singh heard their singing and funded their vocal practice, a turning point in their careers.

🏅 Awards & Honours

—

🔍 One thing most people don't know

“

Before their rise as classical vocalists, Rajan and Sajan Mishra worked as accountants in a small shop until a spiritual leader funded their music practice in 1977.

📸 Through the Years

📷

No photos yet

Help preserve history — add a photo of this icon

🗓️ A Life in Moments

🕊️
Birth
Birth of Rajan Mishra
Rajan Mishra was born in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, the elder brother of the musical duo.
1951
🕊️
Birth
Birth of Sajan Mishra
Sajan Mishra was born in Varanasi, following his elder brother Rajan by five years.
1956
⚡
Career
Move to Delhi and patronage begins
The brothers moved to Ramesh Nagar, Delhi, and received financial support from Satguru Jagjit Singh to focus on music.
1977
⚡
Career
First international concert
Rajan and Sajan Mishra gave their debut abroad concert in Sri Lanka, launching their international career.
1978
🏅
Award
Sangeet Natak Akademi Award
The brothers were jointly awarded the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for their classical singing.
1998
🏅
Award
Padma Bhushan Awarded
Rajan and Sajan Mishra received the Padma Bhushan, one of India's top civilian honors.
2007
🏅
Award
National Tansen Samman received
The brothers were jointly honored with the National Tansen Samman for the year 2011–2012.
2012
🕊️
Death
Death of Rajan Mishra
Rajan Mishra passed away in New Delhi due to COVID-19 complications.
2021
More moments to come...
+ Add a moment

🗝️Discoveries

Swipe to uncover hidden stories
01 / 05
🏆ACHIEVEMENT

Their first international concert was held in Sri Lanka in 1978, only a year after their move to Delhi, marking a swift transition from local to global stages.

02 / 05
👤PERSONAL

The Mishra brothers’ musical education started under their grandfather's brother, Bade Ram Das Ji Mishra, rather than their father, showcasing the extended family’s role in their training.

03 / 05
🌍HISTORICAL IMPACT

They come from a lineage spanning three centuries, one of the oldest continuous traditions of khyal singing within the Banaras Gharana.

“

"Music can penetrate your heart and that will bring peace and silence to your world." - Rajan Mishra

— Sajan Mishra

🎙️ Speeches & Recordings

These recordings preserve the legacy of Bharat's icons
Why Pandit Sajan Mishra Felt Shy After Receiving Padma Bhushan | Pandit Rajan & Sajan Mishra
More from this archive
Why Pandit Sajan Mishra Felt Shy After Receiving Padma Bhushan | Pandit Rajan & Sajan Mishra
01
Why Pandit Sajan Mishra Felt Shy After Receiving Padma Bhushan | Pandit Rajan & Sajan Mishra
Padma Bhushan Pandit Sajan Mishra Exclusive Interview Part 03 🎵🎶 Raaggiri
02
Padma Bhushan Pandit Sajan Mishra Exclusive Interview Part 03 🎵🎶 Raaggiri

🌱 What changed because of them

The Mishra brothers revitalized and globalized the Banaras Gharana's 300-year-old khyal tradition, influencing both Indian and international classical music circles. Their recognition by institutions like the Sangeet Natak Akademi and Padma Bhushan awards helped institutionalize and preserve this gharana's legacy. Their performances abroad opened new audiences to this deeply traditional style, ensuring its transmission beyond Indian borders.

💬 Social Buzz

💬

What are people saying about Sajan Mishra?

Share posts from historians, journalists and notable voices about this icon. 🇮🇳

💭 Memories & Tributes

Share your memory of Sajan Mishra...
Loading memories...
Is this profile accurate?