Biography
Renowned Khyal style singers of Indian classical music are brothers Rajan and Sajan Mishra. Khyal style singing is regarded as the style of Banaras Gharana that dates back to 300 years ago. Mishra brothers have successfully presented their art of singing on various occasions across India and abroad. They are distinguished singers from the Banaras Gharana. They began their music careers as teens. Fortunately, their very first performance was in the presence of the Legend Satguru Jagjit Singh.
Satguru Jagjit Singh caught sight of their musical talent and prompted them to showcase it to the world. They both were accountants at a shop before their music careers. Their first performance abroad was in 1978 in Sri Lanka. Followed by that, they got various golden opportunities to share their gift with the world. They performed in many other countries like Germany, France, the USA, UK, Switzerland, Austria, Muscat, The Netherlands, USSR, Qatar and Singapore. Together they have created around 20 music albums of Khyal style (well known as Khyal Gayaki), semi-classical tappa and a range of Bhajans.
Both were born in Varanasi, Rajan Mishra, in 1951 and Sajan Mishra in 1956. They became proficient in classical music, and their grandfather Bade Ram Das Mishra and father, Hanuman Prasad Mishra, taught them. Their uncle Gopal Prasad Mishra was a Sarangi Maestro. Their family moved to Ramesh Nagar in Delhi in 1977 and began to live there.
Recognition and awards
- The acclaimed National Tansen Samman for 2011-12 was awarded to them on 14th December 2012.
- They were honoured with Padma Bhushan in 2007.
- They were also awarded Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1998.
- Gandharva National Award was given to them in 1994-1995.