Singer Deepali Joshi killed in car accident in Kuwait

Dubai, Jan 30 (ANI): Renowned Indian singer Deepali Joshi died in a tragic road accident in Kuwait on her way from the airport to the hotel on Friday night.

According to Kuwait Times, the singer arrived in Kuwait for a show on Saturday, January 28, organised by an exchange Company in cooperation with the Indian embassy to present a 'Patriotic Song Only' music programme' as part of India's 63rd Republic Day celebrations, Gulf News reported.

The tragedy struck the singer and her manager after their arrival from Mumbai when a speeding vehicle hit their car from behind off the Airport Road, wrecking one side and killing Joshi on the spot.

The report said her manager Ishaal Naqvi, who sustained serious injuries in the accident, is battling for his life at Farwaniya Hospital intensive care unit.

The car driver and a companion were also injured in the accident.

"It is a very tragic and unfortunate incident," Indian Ambassador Satish C Mehta told Kuwait Times.

The singer's body will be flown to Mumbai once formalities are completed, said Mehta.

The concert was cancelled as a mark of respect for the popular singer who hails from Dharwad region of Karnataka. She is survived by husband Paresh Shah, a well-known Gujarati music composer, a sister and a brother.

Groomed by Pandit Sunil Borgaonkar, Joshi was recognised by music director Khayyam in the 'Awaz ki Dunia' show.

Inspired by India's legendary singers Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle, Joshi gave countless performances across India and abroad.

Her performances in Baltimore, Washington DC and New York earned her big fame in the US as well. She also brought out numerous music albums and videos, the daily said.

Before leaving for Kuwait, Joshi posted on her Facebook wall, "Off to Kuwait for two concerts ... will be back on 29th to perform at Dinnanath, Vile Parle..Gonna be hectic... but I am excited." (ANI)