Composer Shantanu Moitra, known for films such as Parineeta and 3 Idiots, has reacted to the death of Manipuri musician and guitarist Chongtham Vikram Singh, who was allegedly beaten to death in Delhi earlier this week. Moitra shared a post mourning Singh and used lines from Bob Dylan’s Blowin’ in the Wind to reflect on the violence.
Shantanu Moitra’s Emotional Tribute
Mourning the death of Manipuri musician Chongtham Vikram Singh, Shantanu Moitra shared a poignant passage from Bob Dylan’s “Blowin’ in the Wind” on social media. He wrote, “Yes, and how many ears must one man have Before he can hear people cry? Yes, and how many deaths will it take ’til he knows That too many people have died? The answer my friend … Is blowing in the wind … Rest
in peace Chongtham Vikram Singh.”
Chongtham Vikram Singh Dies After Alleged Assault In Delhi
Chongtham Vikram Singh, 55, died on Monday after he was allegedly assaulted by a group of men outside his home in the Kilokari area of South Delhi. According to police, Singh had gone downstairs late on Sunday night to dispose of garbage when he objected to a group of people making noise near his residence. The argument allegedly escalated, with Singh being chased into the building’s stair lobby and assaulted.
Singh was taken to Holy Family Hospital in Okhla by his family. He later died from injuries caused by blunt-force trauma and haemorrhagic shock, according to the hospital report. Police have arrested seven adults and apprehended a juvenile in connection with the case. The case has been registered under Section 103(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which deals with mob lynching by a group of five or more people.
Who Was Chongtham Vikram Singh?
Chongtham Vikram Singh was a prominent figure in Manipur’s rock music scene. He began his musical journey in the 1980s with the band Ultra Vires and later became the lead guitarist of Phoenix, one of the state’s influential rock bands. He also worked with Eastern Dark before moving to Delhi.
After moving to the capital, hecontinued working in music and became a teacher. He established a music school, mentored young musicians and also taught at the Delhi School of Music. He had spent around 17 years in Delhi and was remembered by fellow musicians as someone whose contribution often happened away from the spotlight.
Singh also came from a prominent musical family. His mother, Chongtham Kamala, was a celebrated Manipuri classical and playback singer who has been described as the “Lata Mangeshkar of the Manipuri film industry”. She lent her voice to Matamgi Manipur, the first Manipuri feature film, released in 1972.
