Renowned singer Monali Thakur faced a health scare during her performance at the Dinhata Festival in Cooch Behar. The singer experienced difficulty breathing mid-performance, causing her to step off the stage. Her condition worsened, prompting her immediate transfer to the Dinhata Subdistrict Hospital. Reports later confirmed that she was referred to a private hospital in Cooch Behar for further medical attention.
Monali’s sister, Mehul Thakur, later revealed to the media that the singer was unwell even before taking the stage. Months of relentless performances and tours across various states had taken a toll on Monali’s health. Mehul also mentioned that the journey to Cooch Behar in a small plane exacerbated her discomfort due to insufficient air pressure control. The singer experienced severe migraine pain during the flight, which persisted through her performance. Despite efforts to complete her set, Monali had to cut it short and step off the stage.
Mehul clarified that Monali was not hospitalized but instead rested after consulting with a doctor. She further assured fans that Monali is now returning to Mumbai, where she plans to recuperate for a few days. “She just needs rest,” Mehul stated, dismissing exaggerated reports of her condition.
The Dinhata Festival, held to commemorate the 98th birth anniversary of North Bengal Development Minister Udayan Guha's father and former minister Kamal Guha, featured a vibrant lineup of cultural performances. Monali was the headline act and a major attraction of the evening. However, her sudden illness became a cause for concern for both the organizers and her fans.
This is not the first time Monali faced challenges during a performance. In December 2024, during a concert in Varanasi, the singer walked off the stage citing mismanagement. Monali apologized to fans for not being able to complete the event, with video footage of the incident going viral on social media. The Dinhata incident, though caused by health issues, once again underscores the pressures artists face while performing.