Sitar Maestro Pandit Manilal Nag Passes Away in Kolkata at 87
The Bishnupur gharana exponent and Padma Shri awardee died on 9 November, closing a career of more than six decades.
Sitar maestro Pandit Manilal Nag, one of the leading voices of the Bishnupur gharana, died in Kolkata on 9 November 2026. He was 87.
Born on 16 August 1939 in Bankura district of West Bengal, Nag grew up in a family of musicians and was trained in the Bishnupur tradition, one of the oldest schools of Hindustani classical music in Bengal.
A life in music
Over a career that spanned more than six decades, he performed across India and abroad and was known for his clean, lyrical style and his command over the alaap. He also taught many students who carry the gharana forward today.
His work was recognised with the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 2001, the Banga Bibhushan in 2015 and the Padma Shri in 2020.
Tributes pour in
Musicians and listeners from across the country paid tribute, remembering him as a gentle teacher and a performer who stayed rooted in tradition while reaching new audiences.
His passing marks the end of an era for the Bishnupur gharana and for Indian classical music.
