Chamba, Himachal Pradesh: The annual Ramleela celebrations in Chamba were struck by tragedy on Tuesday evening when senior stage artist Amrish Kumar collapsed and passed away mid-performance.
Kumar, a revered figure in Chamba’s theatre circuit, suffered a fatal heart attack while enacting the role of King Dashrath, father of Lord Ram. The incident occurred just as he began delivering his lines. Video footage shows him suddenly stumbling before collapsing on stage, leaving both the audience and fellow performers in shock. The organisers immediately drew the curtains, suspended the play, and rushed him to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared him brought dead. A man playing the role of King Dashrath collapsed and died on stage during the Ramleela in Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh. pic.twitter.com/6bThTX2LIk
A native of Chamba, Kumar had been the backbone of Ramleela performances in the district for over five decades. Known for his commanding portrayals of characters such as Dashrath and Ravana, he was a cultural icon whose performances consistently drew large audiences from across the region.
“This is an irreparable loss,” said Sudesh Mahajan, a member of the Ramleela Club, speaking to ANI. “Amrish ji was not just an actor—he was the soul of Ramleela in Chamba. His passion and dedication inspired generations. May his soul rest in peace, and may the family find strength in this difficult hour.”
In the wake of the tragedy, the Ramleela Club has suspended all upcoming performances.
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