Jill O’Rourke is a contributor at Talent Recap, writing news stories and recaps for shows like ‘AGT,’ ‘The Voice,’ and ‘American Idol.’ She graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in English and Film Studies, and has been writing about pop culture since 2012, with previous bylines at Crushable and A Plus. Jill spends her free time binge-watching sitcoms and daydreaming about life as a hobbit
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Singer Sandeep Acharya won the second season of Indian Idol in 2006. Sadly, Sandeep passed away seven years after his victory on the show, shocking his fans and the judges on the show.
Sandeep was only 29 years old when he passed away. Read on to find out more about Sandeep’s journey, as well as details about his tragic death.
Sandeep Acharya was originally from Bikaner, Rajasthan, in India. He later moved to Mumbai to pursue music. He was previously the runner-up on Golden Voice of India.
“I am a trained singer,” Sandeep said in 2010. “I have learned from Hemant Bhatt and Rajendra Changani and many more teachers. My parents were always supportive about my singing, but they also thought it was just a dream that would fade out eventually.”
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In 2006, Sandeep competed on the second season of Indian Idol, which is India’s version of American Idol. Sandeep went on to win the season, receiving a contract with Sony BMG. He released an album called Mere Saath Saara Jahaan.
Sadly, Sandeep passed away in December 2013, at the age of 29, after suffering from jaundice. He left behind a wife and baby daughter. His younger brother said it seemed like Sandeep was recovering before his death. “We were all hoping we’d soon take him home,” he said. “But nobody knew that he would leave us forever.”
People involved with Indian Idol tweeted their condolences after news of Sandeep’s death broke. “It’s too sad to hear of Sandeep Acharya,” wrote judge Farah Khan. “Such a gentle boy he was. Not his time to go.”
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“Jaundice? Gosh…very sad,” wrote fellow judge Sonu Nigam. “The boy was just 29… God give his parents some strength.” Meanwhile, Indian Idol host Mini Mathur said, “What a sad, premature goodbye to a talented, ambitious, happy boy.”
Fans are still feeling the loss of Sandeep’s talent, as shown by comments on his Indian Idol performances. “What a amazing and talented singer we have lost,” wrote one fan, while another commented, “India lost such a great talent.”
Sadly, Sandeep is far from the only talent show contestant who has passed away since appearing on television. Watch Talent Recap’s video above to learn about more examples.
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