A Madhya Pradesh man made waves this week after being spotted dancing during his friend’s funeral — with videos of the incident going viral on social media platforms. The unlikely moment took place as residents of Jawasia village in Mandsaur district bid farewell to Sohanlal Jain. Clips shared online showed the man swaying to dhol beats as he strove to uphold a promise to his best friend.
‘Promise to his friend’
51-year-old Ambalal Prajapati was seen dancing as the bier carrying the mortal remains of his friend was taken out for the last rites on Wednesday. Residents formed a circle to watch the heartbreaking performance as music played softly through a speaker and a tearful Prajapati continued to sway with his hands raised. The dance ‘performance’ had been requested by his late friend in 2021 as Jain fought cancer.
“No crying, no silence, only celebration. When I am no longer in this world, you must join my funeral procession and bid me farewell by dancing and singing to the beat of drums,” he urged in a handwritten letter to Prajapati.
“I had promised my friend I would dance during his last journey, and I did. He was more than a friend, he was like my shadow,” Prajapati told PTI.
According to reports, Jain had been battling cancer for two years and received treatment at multiple places. The social worker had repeatedly urged his friend to ‘dance during my last journey” and insisted that the funeral would not be a somber affair. He had reportedly asked for music during the procession for last rites.
‘Men in friendship’
The video has left netizens emotional, with many dubbing this as true ‘friendship goals’.
“Imagine the pain in his heart while dancing,” wrote one Instagram user.
“This happened in my city, Mandsaur, MP. A heartbreaking yet beautiful tribute. True friendship doesn’t end with death, it lives on through promises kept,” wote another.
“Nach wo rahe hain uncle, ro main raha hu,” said a third.
If I will not get a funeral like that meri atma hamesa bhatkegi,” vowed one X user.