Sitar maestro Pandit Manilal Nag dies at 87, leaves behind a rich musical legacy

A celebrated musician of the Bishnupur gharana and Padma Shri awardee, Nag was known for carrying the gharana's Dhrupad-influenced classical tradition to audiences across the world

Sitar legend Pandit Manilal Nag passes away at 87

Updated on:

10 Nov 2026, 1:20 pm

2 min read

Veteran sitar maestro Pandit Manilal Nag died in Kolkata on Monday night at the age of 87. The celebrated musician of the Bishnupur gharana passed away at a private hospital following age-related ailments. His death marks the loss of one of the prominent figures of India's classical music tradition, particularly the musical heritage of West Bengal.

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari expressed grief over Nag's demise, describing it as the end of an era in Indian classical music. In a social media post, he called the musician a towering figure and a proud torchbearer of the state's historic Bishnupur gharana.

Adhikari also highlighted Nag's contribution to taking the tradition's Dhrupad-influenced classical music to international audiences. He said the maestro's devotion to music, mastery of the sitar and commitment to nurturing generations of disciples had made him an institution in himself.

Pandit Manilal Nag: Life, awards and contribution to the Bishnupur gharana

Born on August 16, 1939, in Bankura district of West Bengal, Manilal Nag grew up in a region with a rich classical music heritage. He became one of the best-known practitioners of the Bishnupur gharana, a school of Hindustani classical music distinguished by its Dhrupad-influenced style.

The Bishnupur gharana traces its origins to the musical traditions that developed under the patronage of the Malla kings of Bishnupur. His contribution to Indian classical music was recognised with several honours during his career. He received the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 2001, becoming the first musician from the Bishnupur gharana to receive the distinction. The Government of India awarded him the Padma Shri in 2020.

Deeply saddened by the passing away of the legendary Sitar Maestro, Padma Shri Pandit Manilal Nag, late last night in Kolkata. A towering doyen and the proud torchbearer of West Bengal's historic Bishnupur Gharana, Pandit Manilal Nag carried the sublime, Dhrupad-steeped strains of our classical heritage to the global stage. Honoured with the Padma Shri, the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award and numerous prestigious accolades, his devotion to music, mastery over the instrument and dedication to nurturing generations of disciples set him apart as an institution in himself. His demise marks the end of an illustrious era and leaves an irreparable void in the cultural fabric of West Bengal and the world of Hindustani classical music. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, his students and his countless admirers across the globe.
— Suvendu Adhikari (@SuvenduWB) November 10, 2026

The West Bengal government also recognised his contribution to music, presenting him with the Alauddin Purashkar in 2012 and the Banga Bibhushan in 2015.

Beyond his performances, Nag was known for his role as a teacher who helped preserve and pass on the traditions of the Bishnupur gharana to younger generations. His death leaves behind a significant legacy in Indian classical music and the cultural history of West Bengal.

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