On Camera, 'Dashrath' Actor Has Cardiac Arrest During Ramlila, Dies On Stage

The 70-year-old actor Amresh Mahajan suffered a cardiac arrest and collapsed while performing as King Dashrath during a Ramlila show in Chamba, Himachal Pradesh

Chamba (Himachal Pradesh):

A tragic incident unfolded on stage during a Ramlila performance in Himachal Pradesh's Chamba when Amresh Mahajan, a 70-year-old actor portraying King Dashrath, experienced a cardiac arrest and collapsed mid-performance. He was immediately transported to a hospital where medical professionals pronounced him dead upon arrival.

For nearly 25 years, Amresh Mahajan had been a dedicated performer at the Ramlila in Chamba Chaugan. He regularly took on the roles of either King Dashrath (Lord Ram's father) or Ravana (the primary antagonist in Ramayana). Despite his advanced age, he consistently participated in rehearsals and performances for the grand annual production. Reports indicate he had informed organizers that this would be his final Ramlila performance before retiring. In a tragic twist of fate, his words proved prophetic.

The incident occurred around 8:30 pm yesterday when the Ramlila was in full progress. Amresh Mahajan was seated on the throne as King Dashrath, delivering his lines with an actor portraying a sage positioned to his left. During his dialogue, the veteran actor suddenly leaned leftward, resting his head on his co-performer's shoulder. Initially confused, the co-actor soon realized something was wrong, but as the performance continued, other actors remained in character. Approximately 10 seconds elapsed before everyone comprehended the situation. The actor playing the sage then called for assistance, prompting backstage crew members to enter. The curtain descended as Mr. Mahajan was rushed to a hospital, where doctors confirmed his death.

Swapan Mahajan, who serves as president of the Shri Ram Leela Club in Chamba, expressed that everyone was shocked by Mr. Mahajan's on-stage death. "He collapsed during the performance, and we immediately took him to Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru Government Medical College, but doctors declared him dead," he stated, adding that the community is devastated by Mr. Mahajan's unexpected passing.

This incident occurs just one year after another tragedy when an actor portraying Lord Ram died during a Ramlila performance in Delhi's Shahdara. Sushil Kaushik, who worked as a property dealer, was reciting his lines when he clutched his chest, moved off-stage, and collapsed.

Inputs by Subhash Majan