On June 11, 2025, the 32nd birth anniversary of the late Punjabi singer Shubhdeep Singh Sidhu, popularly known as Sidhu Moosewala, a wave of emotion and controversy swept through his fans and family. The day marked not only a posthumous celebration of his musical legacy with the release of three unreleased tracks but also the unveiling of a contentious BBC World Service documentary delving into the circumstances surrounding his tragic murder.
The BBC released the two-part documentary, titled The Killing Call, on YouTube at 5 a.m. on June 11, despite a petition filed by Moosewala's father, Balkaur Singh Sidhu, seeking to halt its release. The Mansa court in Punjab, where the petition was filed, has scheduled a hearing for June 12, 2025. The documentary was initially slated for a cinema screening in Mumbai that evening but was shifted to an online release following the controversy.
Balkaur Singh expressed deep concerns over the documentary’s content, alleging that it was produced without his consent and contained false information about his son's murder. He further argued that the film featured interviews with individuals named in the First Information Report (FIR) linked to the case, which could potentially interfere with ongoing legal proceedings. In letters sent to Maharashtra's Director General of Police and Mumbai’s Juhu Police Station, he requested a ban on the screening, fearing it might tarnish Sidhu Moosewala’s legacy and impact the pursuit of justice.
Meanwhile, the musical tribute to Moosewala struck a powerful chord with his global fanbase. The three unreleased tracks—"0008," "Neal," and "Take Notes"—were posted on his official YouTube channel as part of an Extended Play (EP) titled Moose Print. Remarkably, within an hour of their release, each song surpassed one million views, underscoring the enduring admiration for the artist whose voice continues to resonate years after his death.
Fans flooded the comment sections with heartfelt tributes. One wrote, "Sidhu Moosewala forever. Happy birthday, Jatta," while another declared, "Today is the day a legend was born." This outpouring of affection was a testament to Moosewala’s iconic status in Punjabi music, with hits like "295," "Goat," and "So High" cementing his place in the hearts of millions.
The singer’s murder on May 29, 2022, in Jawaharke village near Mansa district remains a painful chapter. Moosewala was ambushed and shot over 30 times while seated inside his car with cousins and friends. Despite being rushed to the hospital, he succumbed to his injuries, sparking widespread outrage and grief across Punjab and beyond. His parents, Charan Kaur and Balkaur Singh, have since been relentless in demanding justice, even making headlines for welcoming a baby via IVF in March 2024, whom they named Shubhdeep Singh Sidhu, continuing his legacy.
Adding layers to this complex saga, the BBC documentary brought to light startling revelations from gangster Goldy Brar, a close associate of Lawrence Bishnoi, the alleged mastermind behind Moosewala’s assassination. Brar, who remains at large, disclosed in an audio message featured in the film that Moosewala and Bishnoi were once in regular contact. "Lawrence was in touch with Sidhu. I don't know who introduced them, and I never asked, but they did speak. Sidhu used to send ‘Good morning’ and ‘Good night’ messages in an effort to flatter Lawrence," Brar revealed.
This connection reportedly began in 2018 during Moosewala’s time in Canada but deteriorated after he returned to India and allied himself with the Bishnoi gang’s rivals, the Bambiha gang. The tension escalated following the murder of Vicky Middukhera, a mentor to Lawrence and Brar. Although Moosewala denied any involvement, he was accused of aiding the killing, fueling animosity that culminated in his brutal murder.
Brar’s chilling justification for the killing was blunt: "In his arrogance, he [Moosewala] made some mistakes that could not be forgiven. We had no option but to kill him. He had to face the consequences of his actions. It was either him or us. As simple as that." These words cast a grim light on the violent undercurrents that shadowed the singer’s life and death.
The documentary’s release has reignited public interest and debate around the case, with some questioning the ethics of airing interviews with individuals involved in the FIR while proceedings are active. Balkaur Singh’s legal challenge underscores the delicate balance between public information and judicial integrity. Whether the documentary will influence the ongoing investigations remains to be seen, but it undeniably adds a new dimension to the narrative surrounding Moosewala’s murder.
For many, June 11 was a day of mixed emotions—celebration tinged with sorrow, remembrance intertwined with controversy. Sidhu Moosewala’s music continues to inspire, his life story captivates, and the search for justice presses on. As the court prepares to hear Balkaur Singh’s petition, the world watches closely, reflecting on the legacy of a young artist whose voice was silenced too soon but whose impact remains deafening.
