The Ramleela celebrations in Chamba district, Himachal Pradesh, turned tragic on Tuesday evening when senior stage artist Amrish Kumar collapsed and passed away during a live performance.
Kumar, a well-known figure in local theatre, suffered a fatal heart attack while portraying Dashrath, the father of Lord Ram.
The incident happened as he began delivering his lines on stage. Video footage shows him suddenly stumbling and falling, causing immediate shock and concern among the audience and fellow performers.
Organisers quickly closed the curtains, stopping the performance and rushing Kumar to a nearby hospital. Doctors pronounced him dead on arrival.
A native of Chamba, Amrish Kumar had been a cornerstone of the Ramleela tradition for over five decades. He was celebrated for his powerful portrayals of characters like Dashrath and Ravana, which often drew large crowds from across the region.
“This is an irreparable loss,” said Sudesh Mahajan, a member of the Ramleela Club. “Amrish ji was not just an artist, he was the very soul of Ramleela in Chamba. His dedication and passion inspired generations. May his soul rest in peace, and may God give strength to his family during this difficult time,” he added.
In view of the tragedy, the Ramleela Club has suspended all upcoming performances for the next few days.
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