Chinmaya left his body on March 1, 2025, in Devon, UK, at the age of 71, due to oesophagus cancer, which was diagnosed in September 2024.

A gifted musician, Chinmaya created some truly magnificent music, most notably Terra Incognita in Osho’s presence. He formed the band The Celtic Ragas, which performed at Sir Paul McCartney’s wedding in Ireland. As his music evolved, he explored the fusion of Indian classical music with various Western traditions, crafting melodies deeply infused with the essence of Osho. Beyond music, he was a talented filmmaker, creating cherished works such as Concert for India’s Environment, the Smiles From Off the Road series, Green Ragas, Birds of Kumaon, Birds of Goa, and more.

He often spoke fondly of his childhood in Kent, England, in the 1950s and 60s—an upbringing both wholesome and conservative. His home was a 400-year-old farmhouse, surrounded by lush gardens, orchards, wheat fields, woods, and streams. Passionate about painting, he attended art college in Canterbury, where he also began learning classical guitar. In 1975, he set out on the hippy trail to India, traveling through Turkey and Afghanistan. He lived simply, became a vegetarian, and explored yoga. In 1979, he met Osho and fell in love with his teachings, taking the leap into sannyas in 1982.

In 1985, Chinmaya discovered the sarod after attending an all-night concert by the great maestro Ustad Amjad Ali Khan in Delhi. Deeply moved, he began learning the instrument from Ustad Gurdev Singh, dedicating 13 years to mastering its intricacies.  Chinmaya felt an intuitive connection to Indian classical music. In 1988, he moved to the Osho Commune in Pune, where he began playing Indo-Western fusion music alongside fellow musicians in Osho’s presence. This led to the recording of his first CD, Terra Incognita, in 1990 with Prem Joshua and Ravi, followed by another masterpiece, Tribal Gathering, in 1991.

After Osho left his body, Chinmaya, along with his wife Naveena and daughter Koyal, lived in Goa for 12 years before eventually returning to England.

Even in the face of illness, Chinni remained full of life and energy. Though he had to eat and drink through a tube, he continued to create music, prepare for concerts, and embrace life with unwavering passion.

Friends across the world have been touched by his music, and his melodies will continue to inspire and uplift hearts.

Chinni, may you go on playing the sarod in the other realm. Cheering for you, beloved friend.