After Amar Singh Chamkila, Dharmendra's Cousin And Punjabi Superstar Veerendar Singh Was Killed; Both Cases Remain Unsolved

Diljit Dosanjh and Parineeti Chopra starrer 'Amar Singh Chamkila' is earning accolades from all corners. The film directed by Imtiaz Ali, released on Netflix on April 12.

New Delhi: Diljit Dosanjh and Parineeti Chopra starrer 'Amar Singh Chamkila' is earning accolades from all corners. The film directed by Imtiaz Ali, released on Netflix on April 12 and is based on the life of the singer Amar Singh Chamkila and his wife and singing partner Amarjot Singh, who were shot dead by a Punjabi militant group at the tender age of 27 in 1984 in Punjab.

Imtiaz Ali's film that released on a global platform, has piqued interest among fans, shedding light on Punjab’s tumultuous era in the 1980s, marred by widespread militant insurgency. 

Punjabi superstar Veerender Singh's death

During this turbulent phase, Amar Singh Chamkila was not the sole victim; many writers, poets, and singers succumbed to violence by militants. Among them was Veerendar Singh, also known as Subhash Dhadwal, a prominent figure in Punjabi cinema and a cousin of Bollywood actor Dharmendra. Veerendar was fatally shot while filming 'Jatt te Zameen' in Ludhiana in December 1988, shortly after Amar Singh Chamkila’s tragic demise. Though suspicions pointed towards militants, the case remained unsolved.

Veerendar was a prominent figure in 1980s Punjabi films, featuring in popular movies such as 'Batwara', 'Lambhardarni', 'Balbiro Bhabhi' and 'Dushmani Dee Agg', the latter released posthumously. He was 40 years old at the time of his untimely death.

Amar Singh Chamkila's death

The 1980s posed significant challenges for poets, writers, singers, and visionaries in Punjab. Amar Singh Chamkila, often hailed as the ‘Elvis of Punjab,’ met a tragic end at the tender age of 27. His songs delved into various themes including Jatt pride, the plight of agricultural laborers, alcoholism, dowry, domestic violence, extramarital affairs, and drug abuse prevalent in feudal Punjab. Despite his popularity, particularly among Jat Sikhs, Chamkila faced criticism for the perceived explicitness of his lyrics.

Chamkila’s rise coincided with heightened political tensions, especially during the 1984 anti-Sikh riots in North India. His provocative songs garnered opposition, deemed inappropriate by some. Tragically, Chamkila, along with his wife and singing partner, Amarjot Singh, was fatally shot in Punjab’s Mehsampur. They were scheduled to perform at a venue in the city.