The Navratri festival, known for its vibrant energy and joyous celebrations, turned tragic in Chakan last night when renowned Garba trainer Ashok Mali succumbed to a heart attack while performing. The heartbreaking incident was captured on video, which has since gone viral on social media, leaving fans and the Garba community devastated.
In the video, Mali can be seen enthusiastically participating in the Garba alongside his son, dancing to a popular Hindi song. Suddenly, he collapses, a victim of a severe heart attack. Despite being rushed to a nearby hospital, he was declared dead upon arrival.
Mali, known as the ‘Garba King,’ was a resident of Hol village in Shindkheda taluka of Dhule district. He had dedicated the past four to five years to training others in the art of Garba, earning immense respect and admiration for his skills.
This tragic event highlights the growing concern surrounding sudden cardiac arrest cases in India. Sadly, these incidents are becoming increasingly common, claiming thousands of lives each year. Just a few days ago, a 56-year-old man playing Lord Rama in a Ramlila performance in Delhi also suffered a heart attack and passed away.
The loss of Ashok Mali is a profound one for the Garba community. He will be remembered for his passion, talent, and contribution to the vibrant tradition of Garba. His sudden passing serves as a stark reminder of the importance of prioritizing health and well-being, especially during periods of heightened physical activity and excitement.