‘They will kill me if I hear another singer’:Hardcore Kumar Sanu fan suffering from psychotic delusion attempts suicide thrice; veteran singer speaks to family

A 35-year-old man from Bihar, who is a devoted fan of Bollywood singer Kumar Sanu, attempted suicide three times after developing a severe mental illness. He believed that Kumar Sanu’s fans would kill him if he listened to songs by other singers. The man is currently admitted to the ICU of a hospital in Jabalpur. After learning about the case, Kumar Sanu personally spoke to the man’s father and assured help with treatment. Who is the man The man has been identified as Pramod Manjhi (35), a resident of Chhapra district in Bihar. He used to work in Nagpur. Pramod has been a long-time fan of Kumar Sanu and only listened to and sang his songs. Delusion triggered by fear Pramod developed a belief that if he listened to songs by any other singer, Kumar Sanu’s fans would find and kill him. This fear grew stronger after he watched reels and videos on social media. Doctors later said this was a case of psychotic delusion. First suicide attempt on train On January 10, Pramod was returning to his village by train. During the journey, he suddenly started behaving abnormally. He tried to jump from the moving train. Other passengers caught him and saved his life. Second attempt at railway station After reaching Jabalpur railway station, Pramod went to a public toilet. There, he cut his throat and wrist with a blade. Police found him covered in blood and rushed him to the medical college hospital. Third attempt inside hospital Even after treatment, his fear did not reduce. On January 11, a day after admission, he tried to jump from the second floor of the hospital. Hospital staff stopped him in time. The hospital’s psychiatry department examined Pramod. Doctors confirmed that he was suffering from psychotic delusion. He is now under constant medical supervision in the ICU. Kumar Sanu speaks to Pramod’s father After the incident came to light, Kumar Sanu spoke to Pramod’s father, Fagu Manjhi, on Wednesday. He asked about Pramod’s condition and assured help. Conversation between Kumar Sanu Fagu Manjhi Kumar Sanu: I was very sad to hear about your son. Fagu: Sir, someone threatened him that if he listened to another singer, he would be killed. My son got very scared, so he took such steps. Kumar Sanu: I was very sad to hear that my fan is so troubled. Fagu: He has been your fan from the beginning. He only used to sing your songs. For two days he sang songs by another singer, and during that time he received a threat. People said – why aren’t you singing Kumar Sanu’s songs? If you don’t, we will kill you. He came under pressure and tried to take his life. He is very serious right now, in the ICU. Kumar Sanu: The child needs to get well. Fagu: It would be great if you could help a little. He has 5 daughters. Kumar Sanu (surprised): 5 children at the age of 35, wow… Anyway. Fagu: We are very poor, please help us a little. Kumar Sanu: Call by evening, tell me the child’s condition. Psychiatrist explains the condition Kumar Sanu also spoke to Bhopal-based psychiatrist Dr Satyakanth Trivedi. The doctor explained the illness in detail to the singer. Social media worsened the delusion Doctors said social media pressure and group behaviour can create such delusions. Dr Trivedi said patients with psychosis cannot differentiate between reality and imagination.In such cases, dopamine levels increase abnormally, making false beliefs feel completely real. Without timely treatment, the risk of suicide increases sharply. Humane gesture Dr Trivedi said it was deeply humane that a singer loved by millions showed concern for a troubled fan.He praised Kumar Sanu for personally reaching out and offering help.