Popular Bhojpuri film lyricist Shyam Dehati died of COVID-19 on 18th April. He had tested positive three days earlier at Bettiah (Bihar). He was being taken to a hospital in Gorakhpur (Uttar Pradesh) by ambulance on 18th as his oxygen level dipped but he died on the way. He was pronounced brought dead when the ambulance reached the hospital. He was 33 years old and is survived by his wife and two little kids, a daughter and a son.
Shyam Dehati came to Bombay around 15 years ago and started as a liftman but he managed to get break as a lyricist because of his passion. He used to be the liftman of a building which was frequented by film producers and directors. That’s how he met K.D. (Dinkar Kapur), the director of Bhojpuri film Nirahua Rickshawala, who gave him break as a song writer in the film. After that, he was inundated with offers and he soon shot to fame as a lyricist. He also acted in a Bhojpuri film, Rani Dilbar Jani, but it didn’t do anything for his new career. He had recently started a business of snack items.
The news of Shyam’s demise has sent shock waves in the Bhojpuri film industry. Bhojpuri film stars, lyricists, music directors, producers and directors have been paying rich tributes to the departed soul on social media.