BBC releases 2 episodes of Sidhu Moosewala docu on YouTube

After a controversy erupted over the screening of a documentary on slain singer Shubhdeep Singh Sidhu, widely known as Sidhu Moosewala, the BBC World Service today released it on YouTube at 5 am, much ahead of its scheduled screening in Mumbai in the afternoon.

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The release coincided with Moosewala’s birth anniversary, even as his father, Balkaur Singh, has filed a petition in a Mansa court seeking a stay on it. The court of Civil Judge (Senior Division) had adjourned the matter to June 12 for consideration.

The documentary features Moosewala’s old friends from India and abroad, several journalists, some members of the music industry and two senior police officers from Punjab and Delhi. It also includes an audio interview with gangster Satinderjit Singh, alias Goldy Brar, the alleged mastermind behind Moosewala’s murder, at Jawahar Ke village in Mansa on May 29, 2022. Brar remains on the run.

The first episode of the documentary, titled “The Killing Call”, focuses on Moosewala’s early life, his rise to stardom, and the controversies that marked his career. The second episode delves into his murder and alleged enmity with gangsters. The documentary features raw and archival footage of Moosewala, including some videos and photos sourced from The Tribune.

The documentary also touches upon Operation Bluestar and the farmers’ protest, presenting Moosewala’s views on these issues.

My situation worse than Sidhu’s: Balkaur Singh

Reacting to the release, Moosewala’s father Balkaur Singh said, “The BBC was to screen the documentary in the evening, but when we approached the court yesterday, they released it on YouTube this morning. If some people have so much evidence, why don’t they present it in court?”

He added, “I just want to say that some people used to say Sidhu was not a good man. But after he passed away, they started calling him good. When I die, they will call me good too. My current situation is worse than even Sidhu’s.”

His counsel, Advocate Satinder Pal Singh Mittal, said, “The petition has been filed seeking a stay on the release of the documentary on any platform, in any form, and anywhere.”

Earlier, Balkaur had filed complaints to the Maharashtra police seeking restrain and halt of the screening.

3 songs on birth anniversary set record on Internet

Three songs released on Moosewala’s birth anniversary set the Internet on fire; total 11 songs released post his murder:

Five hours after the release of the documentary on Moosewala, his family released three songs on his official YouTube channel today. The songs became so popular that each crossed the one million view mark in just about an hour.

At the time of filing this report, around 7.30 pm, one of his latest songs had even crossed four million views. All three tracks were trending in the top three positions on YouTube.

The songs released today — “0008”, “Neal”, and “Take Notes” — are part of the “Moose Print” extended play (EP). With this, the total number of songs released after his death has reached 11.

In the song “0008”, he, along with female singer Jenny Johal, once again glorified gun culture, referencing his Fortuner SUV with the registration number 0008 from Mohali. “Neal” is a romantic song, also featuring Jenny Johal, in which an open jeep is shown in the video.

His solo track, “Take Notes”, reflects on his personal life experiences, where he seemingly targets some of his former associates without naming them.

Prayer ceremony, health camp at house

Sidhu Moosewala’s family today held a “path” (prayer ceremony) at their Moosa village home, followed by cake-cutting with visitors. They also organised a health check-up and blood donation camp in his memory. Moosewala’s tractors and other vehicles were put on public display, and the house was given a heritage-themed décor.

“Some villagers served sweet cold water through ‘chhabeels’, and we distributed toy tractors to children as Sidhu loved them. Meeting people makes us feel lighter,” said his mother, Charan Kaur.

Sidhu used to message Lawrence Bishnoi, claims Goldy

Goldy claims he avenged his brother Vicky Middukhera’s murder by killing Moosewala, and has no remorse. Vicky was killed on August 7, 2021.

The documentary, featuring an alleged interview with gangster Satinderjit Singh, alias Goldy Brar, has reignited questions over the state police and Central agencies’ functioning. While the authorities claim to be unaware of Goldy’s location, he appears to be speaking freely in media interviews.

Goldy, son of a retired ASI and resident of Muktsar, was earlier part of the Students Organisation of Panjab University (SOPU) in Chandigarh, where he met Lawrence Bishnoi. In the interview, Goldy claimed singer Sidhu Moosewala was in touch with Lawrence Bishnoi. “Sidhu used to send good morning and good night messages to flatter Lawrence,” he said. Goldy alleged that Moosewala supported their rivals in organising a kabaddi tournament at Bhagomajra village, which led to tensions between them.

“He used his political influence, money and resources to help those who killed our brothers. No one was listening, so we took it upon ourselves. When decency fails, it’s the gunshot that gets heard,” Goldy said.