Man suffers heart attack during navratri performance in western India

October 9, 2024

by Aditi Verma

In a tragic turn of events, renowned Garba performer Ashok Mali, popularly known as the ‘Garba King,’ collapsed and died of a severe heart attack while performing at a Navratri event in western India’s Maharashtra.

The incident took place in the Chakan area of Pune on October 7.

Visuals showed as the vibrant energy of the Garba event filled the air, Ashok Mali, the famed “Garba King,” danced gracefully alongside his son. The music and movements captivated the crowd, but suddenly, Ashok slowed down, a look of discomfort crossing his face. His steps faltered, and in the blink of an eye, he collapsed to the ground, fainting from what was later confirmed to be a heart attack.

The joyful atmosphere instantly shifted to one of panic. Spectators gasped in shock, and a sense of chaos spread through the crowd as people rushed to his aid. Some hurried to call for help, while others tried to clear space around him.

Ashok Mali, a beloved figure in the Garba community, tragically passed away during a Navratri performance at an event in Chakan. The 55-year-old performer, who hailed from Hol village in Shindkheda taluka of Dhule district, had earned his nickname, the ‘Garba King’, due to his vibrant performances over the past few years.

Mali was performing alongside his son, Bhavesh when he suddenly appeared uneasy and collapsed mid-performance. Bystanders immediately rushed him to a nearby hospital, but he was declared dead upon arrival. The shocking incident occurred in front of a large crowd, many of whom had gathered to witness the skilled Garba trainer’s performance during the ongoing Navratri festival.

Having worked as a Garba trainer for over four years, Mali was invited by the event organizers in Chakan, where he and his son had been performing. His untimely death has left the Garba community and his admirers across Pune in deep sorrow.

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