Indian Ocean had been performing across the globe recently, even headlining an appearance in the far flung cold Russia. Asheem had suffered a heart attack earlier on 14th October 2009 whilst in transit at Doha airport on the way back to India after one such tour abroad in the US. He went into a brief period of coma but was recovering. Meanwhile, the band went ahead with their commitments roping in a couple of session singers. But tragedy befell…

 

Asheem’s rustic voice and his tabla work, fused seamlessly with sounds from rock-like drums and guitars created an atmosphere submerged in Indian folk sounds. Every word he sang was a priceless drop that went into making Indian Ocean a beloved act to experience. Their chemistry with the audiences was sufi-like captivating their audiences. The overseas performances saw their music serving as a connect for some young working Indians – they were enthralled by this live memory from home.

 

 

They had cult albums spread across various labels - but despite the band’s widespread popularity and even being an inspiration for most of the Indian bands, Indian Ocean never really found a long-standing record label that could exploit their recordings on an international scale. The band didn’t have any releases after the immensely successful OST of Black Friday. One of the featured songs - ‘arre rukh jaa re bandhe’ echoes an ironic and sad sentiment now that the passionate singer himself is no more.

 

Asheem was with the band for nearly two decades and Indian Ocean without him is as incomplete as he was without it. Asheem’s amazing vocals will echo for years to come. Asheem Chakravarty died at 52, leaving his family and fans with an irreplaceable void.

With loss comes acceptance, and perhaps now it is time for us to wonder who the band will consider substituting the magic of Asheem with. How would it alter the dynamics of the Indian Ocean sound and their fan base? These questions would find answers as time goes by, but the inconsolable fact is that the man with golden voice is no more with us. May his soul rest in peace and his voice live on.

 

                                                                 -RIA SHAH