In a tragic and deeply emotional moment, veteran stage artist Amresh Mahajan, fondly known as “Shibu” among locals, passed away during a live performance of Shri Ramlila at Chaugan Maidan in Chamba on Tuesday evening.
Mahajan, who had been performing in Ramlila productions for decades, was portraying the character of King Dasharath when he suddenly collapsed during a courtroom scene. Initially, co-actors and the audience mistook the fall as part of the dramatic script. However, it soon became apparent that something was seriously wrong.
He was immediately rushed to the nearest hospital, where doctors pronounced him dead on arrival. The cause of death has been confirmed as a heart attack, according to hospital authorities.
A Pillar of Local Theatre
Mahajan had been a cornerstone of Chamba’s cultural stage for over 30 years, regularly performing key roles such as Dasharath and Ravana in the annual Ramlila — a cherished traditional performance based on the epic Ramayana. His dedication to the craft and commanding stage presence earned him respect both on and off stage.
“He was not just an actor; he was the soul of our Ramlila,” said one of his long-time co-performers, visibly shaken by the incident. “It’s heartbreaking that he left us while doing what he loved most.”
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