Here we have thrown light on one of the prolific actor-cum-director of the 1980s, Veerendar Singh, who also faced the same tragic death just a few months after Amar Singh Chamkila's assassination.
Filmmaker Imtiaz Ali's film, Amar Singh Chamkila, was based on the real-life tragic story of the late singer with the same name. It featured Diljit Dosanjh in the titular role, and Parineeti Chopra played the character of Amar Singh Chamkila's second wife, 'Amarjot Kaur'. The film recorded high viewership, showing Punjab's tumultuous era in the 1980s. Just like Amar Singh Chamkila, another legendary artist, who lost his life untimely was Dharmendra’s cousin, Veerendar Singh.
Subhash Dhadwal, popularly known as Veerendar Singh was one of the closest cousins of veteran actor, Dharmendra. If Veerendar had been present among us now, he would have become no less than a big superstar. For the unversed, Dharmendra’s cousin began his acting career with the 1975 Punjabi film, Teri Meri Ek Jindri, which also starred the former in the role of Veerendar's brother. Following this, he was also seen in popular Punjabi films like Batwara, Lambhardarni, Balbiro Bhabhi, Dushmani Dee Agg and others.
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Later, Veerendar also ventured into the Hindi film industry and worked in films, including Khel Muqaddar Ka and Do Chehre, both of which were successful. Talking more about his professional front, besides being a prominent actor, he was also a successful director and producer. In his 12-year film career, he made about 25 films, all of which were blockbusters.
Thus, the growing popularity of Punjabi cinema superstar Veerendar became troublesome for many. Alongside, it is noteworthy that the 1980s was one of the roughest eras in Punjab, and it was characterised by widespread militant revolution. During this time, several artists, including poets, writers, actors and singers, were targeted and warned if their work didn't match the ideology and those who went against it had to leave for the heavenly abode untimely.
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Veerendar's case was also in the same manner. It was during the filming of his film, Jatt te Zameen at Village Talwandi Kalan Sawaddi near Ludhiana in December 1988 that Veerendar was fatally shot to death. The incident happened just months after Amar Singh Chamkila’s tragic killing. However, very similar to Amar Singh Chamkila, Veerendar's death too, remained unsolved. Veeredar was 40 years old at that time. Many sources also claim that it was Veerendar's popularity that became his enemy, and he had to lose his life, but some mention that he fell victim to the bullets of terrorists.
Veerendar Singh was also called as Bhashi by his fans. The sensational Punjabi film actor and director who ruled the industry in the 1980s was extremely close to his family. Thus, to unravel some of the mystery behind his untimely death, his son, Randeep Arya is reportedly making a film on his life. According to the reports, the biopic on Veerendar will expose the conspiracy behind his murder.
Well, we hope Veerendar's son gives proper justice to the late legendary hero in his biopic. Let us know!
Next Read: Amar Singh Chamkila's Close Friend, Swaran: Met Him When He Got Threats, Wrote Many Songs For Him