An actor from Himachal Pradesh died of a cardiac arrest while performing as ‘Raja Dashrath’ during a Ramleela in Chamba, according to a report by PTI. A video circulating on the internet shows actor Amresh Mahajan collapsing on stage while performing at the Chaugan Ground on Tuesday evening.
Once fellow actors realized that Mahajan was not acting but was actually suffering from a cardiac arrest, they were shocked. The curtains were quickly drawn, and organizers rushed to assist the ailing actor. He was immediately taken to Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru Government Medical College and Hospital, where doctors declared him dead.
VIDEO | Himachal Pradesh: During the staging of the historic Shri Ramlila at Chamba’s Chaugan Maidan, actor Amresh Mahajan, popularly known as Shibu, collapsed and passed away due to cardiac arrest while performing the role of King Dashrath.
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Swapan Mahajan, President of the Shri Ramleela Club, Chamba, confirmed the actor’s death and expressed deep sorrow. According to him, Amresh Mahajan had been performing in Ramleela for over two decades, often portraying the roles of Raja Dashrath or Ravana, as reported by PTI.
Other club members also paid tribute to the late actor, remembering his decades-long dedication and invaluable contribution to Ramleela.
The incident took place at 8:30 PM on Tuesday. Mahajan was seated on the throne, portraying King Dashrath, and was delivering his lines when he began to lose consciousness. As the cardiac arrest affected his motor abilities, he suddenly leaned to his left. His fellow actors were initially confused but soon realized that Mahajan was struggling.
The show was immediately brought to a halt while the audience watched in shock. According to an Indian Express report, a similar incident was also reported where a property dealer playing Lord Ram died during a Ramleela performance in Delhi’s Shahdara. Kaushik was delivering his lines when he suddenly clutched his chest and collapsed after exiting the stage.
