The murder of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Baba Siddique on Saturday night has sent shockwaves through the city. In an eerie reminder of past tragedies, his assassination echoes a history of violent attacks on high-profile figures with ties to Bollywood and the entertainment industry. The brutal killing of Siddique marks yet another chapter in a series of celebrity assassinations that have left the public reeling and searching for justice.
While Siddique’s death is a fresh scar on the city's conscience, it isn’t the first time a public figure with connections to India's entertainment sector has been gunned down in cold blood. The tragic demise of several renowned figures, from musicians to film producers, has cast a long shadow over the glamour of showbiz. Here’s a look at some of the most prominent cases where fame was not enough to shield these stars from violent ends.
Gulshan Kumar – The Devotional Music King
Among the most shocking and unforgettable murders in Bollywood history is that of Gulshan Kumar, the revered founder of T-Series and an icon of devotional music in India. Known as the "King of Devotional Music," Kumar was fatally shot by members of the underworld in 1997. Reports suggest that Kumar had refused to comply with demands for monthly extortion payments of INR 500,000 from underworld figures. His refusal led to his assassination in broad daylight, with 16 bullets mercilessly fired at him as he walked out of a temple in Mumbai. The loss of Gulshan Kumar, who was credited with revolutionising the music industry, left an indelible mark on the industry and his devoted fans.
Sidhu Moose Wala – The Voice of Punjabi Cinema Silenced
Another name that shook the nation with its violent end is that of Sidhu Moose Wala, one of the most celebrated singers and actors in Punjabi cinema. His assassination on 29 May 2022 stunned the public. Moose Wala, whose songs had resonated with millions, was gunned down in a meticulously planned attack, with the gangster duo Goldy Brar and Lawrence Bishnoi claiming responsibility for his death. It is believed that Moose Wala was targeted due to his alleged misuse of power and influence within political and legal circles. His attackers fired approximately 30 rounds, brutally cutting short a life that had become emblematic of modern Punjabi music and culture. His death sparked widespread mourning and outrage, not only in Punjab but across India and the globe.
Amar Singh Chamkila – A Folk Legend Lost
Going further back into the annals of celebrity assassinations, we find the tragic tale of Amar Singh Chamkila, one of the most iconic figures in Punjabi folk music. Chamkila’s career, known for its fearless commentary on controversial social issues, was cut short in 1988 when he and his wife were brutally murdered while performing on stage. The couple was shot by unknown assailants, and to this day, the masterminds behind their killing remain unidentified. The mystery surrounding Chamkila’s death has fuelled numerous speculations, but justice continues to elude his family and fans. Recently, filmmaker Imtiaz Ali has reignited interest in Chamkila’s life, directing a biopic starring Diljit Dosanjh and Parineeti Chopra. However, the unanswered questions surrounding his death still linger.
The murders of Gulshan Kumar, Sidhu Moose Wala, and Amar Singh Chamkila form part of a chilling pattern in the world of Indian entertainment, where success and visibility have not guaranteed safety. These assassinations underscore the deep-seated issues of crime, corruption, and the precarious nexus between power and celebrity. While their legacies continue to thrive in music and film, the tragic circumstances of their deaths serve as grim reminders of the dangers lurking behind fame.
The recent killing of Baba Siddique only adds to this disturbing legacy. As investigations unfold, the public remains gripped by fear and sorrow, questioning how such violence can continue to haunt those who have left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape.
