Indian guitarist found dead in Dubai apartment

Dubai - Himanshu Sharma, popularly known as Shaggy by his friends, was described as a hardcore rock artist with a kind heart.

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By Angel Tesorero and Amira Agarib

Published: Fri 14 Dec 2018, 2:03 PM

Last updated: Fri 10 Feb 2023, 10:30 AM

A guitarist from the local band Metal Head was found dead at his apartment in Garhoud, Dubai, on Wednesday. He was 22.

Long-haired and sporting a beard, Himanshu Sharma - Shaggy to his friends - was described as a hardcore rock artist with a kind heart. Born on July 17, 1996, he was doing his internship as a fifth-year architecture student at Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE Dubai Campus) at the time of his death.

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In a statement to Khaleej Times, a MAHE spokesperson said: "The University has been informed today by the Police of the tragic death of Himanshu Sharma, a student of MAHE Dubai. It's a moment of shock for all of us at the University. We are awaiting further information on the same."

Speaking about his friend, fellow rock artist Gaurav Manna said Himanshu was well loved in Dubai by everyone, "not just those in the metal scene".

"He was popular in college, too, as he played guitar with a couple of successful bands like Slaves of Conspiracy and Nutmeg."

"He was very friendly to everyone. It was always easy being around him. Even a stranger could become best friends with him in five minutes," Manna said. "His death affected everyone around him, close or not."

Sharma stood out for his great taste in music and he looked exactly like "proper metal head", he said.

"People would be a bit sceptical at first by how he dressed, but he was never afraid to show his metal side. And once people spoke to him they realised that he was a really nice guy. He has played in my college ( BITS Pilani) a few times and people knew him there as well."

Sharma had become so popular that everyone across all colleges in Dubai Academic City knew him and his guitar skills, Manna added.

The Dubai Police confirmed Sharma's death with Khaleej Times. The Rashidya Police Station referred his body to the forensic medicine department and the report showed no irregularity in the guitarist's death.

"His body will be handed over to his family after the completion of administrative procedures," the police said.

angel@khaleejtimes.com

Angel Tesorero and Amira Agarib

Published: Fri 14 Dec 2018, 2:03 PM

Last updated: Fri 10 Feb 2023, 10:30 AM

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