Mahesh Tinaikar cause of death: Indus Creed legendary guitarist dies at 63. Bollywood celebs pay tribute

Indian rock guitarist Mahesh Tinaikar, a founding member of the pioneering band Indus Creed, died in Mumbai on Thursday at the age of 63. His death has prompted tributes from musicians and artists, including actor and filmmaker Farhan Akhtar and singer-composer Vishal Dadlani, who remembered his contribution to the country’s rock music scene.

Mahesh Tinaikar reportedly died following a heart attack, according to ANI. He had been facing health issues for several years and complained of stomach pain around two weeks before his death. His funeral is scheduled to take place on Friday at Mumbai’s Banganga crematorium.

Farhan Akhtar, Vishal Dadlani pay tribute to Mahesh Tinaikar

Farhan Akhtar paid tribute to the late guitarist through an Instagram Story. The actor, filmmaker and musician shared a monochrome photograph of Tinaikar performing with his guitar, accompanied by a brief message remembering him.


Akhtar wrote, “RIP brother #maheshtinaikar,” expressing his grief over the musician’s death.

Singer and composer Vishal Dadlani also shared an emotional tribute. Reacting to the news, Dadlani said the loss had left him deeply shaken. In his post, he wrote, “I feel like I’ve been kicked hard in the chest.”



Dadlani also highlighted Tinaikar’s influence on Indian rock music, noting that musicians who became part of the country’s rock-and-roll scene after Rock Machine had much to thank him for. He credited the guitarist and his contemporaries with helping create opportunities for a music community that once had little established space in India.

The singer extended his condolences to Tinaikar’s family, fans and fellow musicians, including Uday Benegal, Mark Selwyn, Zubin Balaporia, Shantanu Hudlikar and Farhad Wadia.

Tinaikar’s death has brought renewed attention to the musicians who helped establish India’s independent rock scene and introduce audiences to a different sound in the country’s popular music landscape.

Mahesh Tinaikar’s contribution to Indian rock music

He was a founding member and lead guitarist of Rock Machine, the band that later became known as Indus Creed. Formed in 1984, the group emerged as one of the early forces in India’s independent rock movement.

At a time when the Indian music industry was largely associated with film soundtracks and mainstream popular music, Rock Machine helped build an identity for original rock music in the country. The band’s work contributed to the growth of a scene that would go on to inspire musicians and groups in the years that followed.

As its lead guitarist, Tinaikar played an important role in shaping the band’s sound. His contribution formed part of a larger musical movement that helped bring Indian rock to a wider audience.



The group’s evolution from Rock Machine to Indus Creed also marked an important chapter in its journey. Its music and performances helped establish a place for independent rock artists, paving the way for younger musicians to explore the genre and develop their own styles.

Funeral to take place in Mumbai

Mahesh Tinaikar’s funeral will be held on Friday at the Banganga crematorium in Mumbai. His death has drawn condolences from across the music fraternity, with fellow artists remembering both his work and the influence he had on the Indian rock community.