Kolkata: The city’s music world is reeling from the devastating loss of one of its most talented bassists, Chandramouli Biswas, whose untimely demise has left fans, friends, and family in deep mourning. At just 48 years old, Chandramouli’s life was tragically cut short when his hanging body was discovered in his central Kolkata flat on Sunday. While the initial narrative pointed to financial troubles and professional setbacks as the culprits, new revelations from his lawyer shed light on a deeper, more heart-wrenching reality.
Not Financial Struggles, But Emotional Wounds
Chandramouli’s lawyer, Jayant Narayan Chatterjee, broke his silence on Tuesday, revealing details that paint a poignant picture of the bassist’s inner turmoil. Through an emotional social media post, Chatterjee recalled his interactions with Chandramouli, who sought his counsel during one of the darkest phases of his life.
“He was a broken man,” Chatterjee wrote. Despite his extraordinary talent, Chandramouli battled loneliness and a sense of powerlessness. When he came to my chambers, he spoke little about himself, but his pain was evident in his trembling face and teary eyes.”
The lawyer recounted how he attempted to uplift Chandramouli’s spirits by sharing stories of great artists like Van Gogh and Rabindranath Tagore, whose pain had often fueled their creativity. “I wanted to rekindle his enthusiasm, but he was really depressed. Even when his long-running legal troubles ended, the victory brought no solace. His smile was gone; his soul seemed defeated.”
A Community in Mourning
The music community has been rocked by the news of Chandramouli’s death. Known for his long association with the iconic Bengali rock band Fossils, Chandramouli had also been part of bands like Golak and Zomb Cage Control. His dynamic performances and passion for music earned him a loyal fan base.
Social media has been flooded with tributes from fans and fellow musicians. Rupam Islam, a close friend and lead vocalist of Fossils, expressed his heartbreak, stating, “We have lost not just a musician, but a kind soul and a dear friend.”
A Lonely Battle
Chandramouli’s struggles with depression were known to his inner circle. Reports suggest that he was home alone when his parents had stepped out for an event. His hanging body was discovered by bandmate Mahul Chakraborty, and a suicide note was found, absolving anyone of blame.
While financial challenges and lack of work were speculated as triggers, Chatterjee’s revelations point to a more complex battle with mental health. The bassist’s loneliness and emotional wounds, compounded by unresolved personal struggles, appear to have pushed him to the brink.
A Call to Action
Chandramouli’s tragic story underscores the importance of mental health awareness, especially in creative fields where emotional vulnerability often intertwines with artistic expression. His passing serves as a grim reminder of the need for stronger support systems for artists battling depression and isolation.
As the city bids farewell to a gifted musician, his legacy will live on in the hearts of those who cherished his art. The loss of Chandramouli Biswas is not just a loss for music, but a profound loss for humanity.
