Alappuzha: Singer Edava Basheer collapsed on stage and died while performing Ganamela during the golden jubilee celebrations of the Alappuzha-based Bhimas Blue Diamond Orchestra at Pathirappally here. He was 78. 

It happened at around 9.30 pm on Saturday during the Megastar Music Night held at Camelot Convention Centre. Although he was rushed to a nearby hospital, his life could not be saved. He was a part of the Blue Diamond Orchestra as their lead singer during the initial years. He was attending the night’s function as a special guest. The celebrations were called off following Basheer’s death. He collapsed right after he finished singing the song “Mano hei tum’ sung by Yesudas. 

Basheer was born in Edava near Varkala. He was drawn to music after getting his hands on the old record players that his father had brought from abroad. He started his training listening to songs by Yesudas and Rafi. He has won many prizes in school and college education. 

Basheer and his friends started the All Kerala Musicians and Technicians Association and was the president of the association. He also started a ganamela troupe in Varkala named ‘Sangeethalaya’. 

He has sung in numerous ganamelas. His most requested song was ‘Aakasharoopini Annapoorneshwari’. He made his debut in the film industry with the song ‘Veena Vaayikum’. 

He is the son of late Adul Azeez and Fathimakunju. Wives: Laila, Rasheeda, Children: Bhima, Ullas, Ushas, Sweeta, Unmesh.