Did you know after Amar Singh Chamkila’s murder, Dharmendra’s cousin and Punjabi actor Veerendar Singh was killed?

The late Punjabi singer Amar Singh Chamkila's life has inspired filmmaker Imtiaz Ali to craft a full-length feature film. Starring Punjabi singer Diljit Dosanjh and Parineeti Chopra, the movie, titled 'Amar Singh Chamkila' has gained interest among fans. It delves into Punjab's rough era of the 1980s, characterised by widespread militant revolution.

During that rough period, several artists, including writers, poets, and singers, were targeted by militants. Veerendar Singh, also known as Subhash Dhadwal, a renowned Punjabi cinema star and cousin of Bollywood actor Dharmendra, became a victim of this violence. While filming 'Jatt te Zameen' in Ludhiana in December 1988, he suffered a fatal gunshot wound. His untimely demise, occurring just months after the tragic death of Amar Singh Chamkila, left a lasting impact. The circumstances surrounding Veerendar's death remained mysterious, and the case remained unsolved.

At the time of his death, Veerendar, aged 40, had established himself as a notable presence in Punjabi cinema, starring in popular films like 'Batwara', 'Lambhardarni', 'Balbiro Bhabhi', and 'Dushmani Dee Agg'.

Chamkila passed away at the young age of 27. Through his songs, he explored various themes including Jatt pride, the challenges faced by agricultural workers, alcoholism, dowry issues, domestic violence, illicit relationships, and drug abuse prevalent in feudal Punjab. While his music gained significant popularity among audiences, Chamkila also encountered criticism due to the perceived carefulness of his lyrics.


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