Humane Sagar’s untimely demise? Lot of questions remain

Popular Odia singer Humane Sagar, aged 36, passed away on Monday evening at AIIMS Bhubaneswar. The singer breathed his last at 9:08 pm on Monday. However, his sudden demise has triggered a storm of questions about what led to his critical condition, whether anyone was responsible, the pressures he faced, and how his health declined so swiftly. 

A Sudden Loss and Growing Doubts

Hospital sources confirmed that Humane was admitted on an emergency basis and kept under close monitoring with advanced life-support systems. Despite continuous efforts by specialists, his condition did not improve.

Following his passing, a range of allegations were made by his mother, close aides, and fans raising concerns about his lifestyle, possible exploitation, medical negligence, emotional strain, and unresolved family issues.

Series of questions like, How true are the allegations made by his mother?Was there negligence in his treatment, or was someone neglecting it? According to the allegations, why was he not taking his regular medication? Was he receiving proper family support/care when he was unwell? Did the dispute with his wife and the divorce case lead to mental depression? and was he under excessive work pressure? were emerged.

Premanand Appeals for Sensitivity

Addressing the allegations, music director Premanand urged people to avoid sensationalising the tragedy and instead focus on supporting the bereaved family.

"After the passing of Humane, many questions have come forward on social media. Humane is not with us; now there is no point in any controversy here. Now we should remember what lasting impact Humane has left through his voice, and we should remember the departed soul by remembering his soulful songs. One should feel for Humane's mother, what kind of mental toll she must have faced as her husband is no more, his younger son also passed away, and Humane's uncle also passed away a few months back. After seeing all these things, she would have been little weak mentally. So we should pray to God to give Humane's mother strength and power to cope up with this huge loss, rather than make a huge controversy out of what she said. We should support the family in this moment of grief," said Odia Music Director Premanand.

Understanding the Role of Depression

Mental health expert Dr Kirti Pattnaik explained how depression can severely weaken the body from within.
He highlighted both endogenous and exogenous forms of depression and described how chronic stress increases cortisol levels, ultimately damaging immunity, reducing appetite, weakening organs, and diminishing overall resilience.

"Depression is a mental disease that is caused by 3 factors. First is endogenous depression, which happens when there is some problem inside your body that you are suffering from depression. Serotonin or dopamine, when these neurotransmitters reduce organically, this problem emerges. Secondly is exogenous depression happens when people are dealing with mental stress, problems in the workplace and in managing relationships. When these two factors emerge, then stress hormones released. Cortisol is something that destroys your immune system. It reduces what we call in layman's terms 'fighting capacity' in the body, due to which every chronic disease, like liver and kidney dysfunction or diabetes or pancreas, and cardiac issues. If someone is chronically suffering from depression, they generally feel very weak they are not able to make any decisions. Their interest in having food also reduces significantly. Therefore, the defence power of the body gets weakened where body wouldn’t be able get the vitamins and minerals that it needed. When depression happens, the inner things that protect the body start breaking. So by giving yourself a break and proper counselling, one should be able to fight depression and live longer," said Dr Kirti Pattnaik, Mental health expert.

Mortal remains taken to native village

Today morning, the body was being taken to his native village, Deng in Titilagarh, where the final rites will be performed. Preparations are underway in the village, as locals have gathered to get one last glimpse of their beloved artist.

Also Read: Mortal remains of Humane Sagar reach Deng village for last rites

A Void That Remains

Humane Sagar, celebrated for his powerful and emotional renditions, rose from humble beginnings to become one of Odisha’s most recognisable voices. His death has sparked an outpouring of grief across social media, with colleagues, public figures, and fans expressing shock and offering condolences.

Humane Sagar’s death has sparked essential conversations on mental health, emotional pressure and the importance of timely care. As investigations continue, the absence left by his soulful voice serves as a profound reminder to prioritise mental and emotional well-being.