Summary of The Killing Call, Ep 1: Sidhu Moose Wala and the Murder that Shook India - BBC World Service Docs
The documentary episode explores the life, rise, and tragic death of Sidhu Moose Wala, a Punjabi singer and rapper whose murder profoundly impacted Punjab and the Punjabi diaspora worldwide. Sidhu emerged from a rural village in Punjab to become a global megastar in just a few years, blending traditional Punjabi culture with modern hip-hop influences. His music was revolutionary, speaking boldly about Punjab’s social realities, power structures, and youth culture, which made him both a beloved figure and a controversial one due to his gangster-themed lyrics and imagery.
Sidhu’s rise began in Canada, particularly in Brampton, Ontario, a hub for Punjabi music and culture abroad. Collaborations with producers like Byg Byrd helped him break into the international scene. His music resonated strongly with Punjabi youth both in the diaspora and back home. However, as his fame and wealth grew, so did the challenges around him. His early management by friends deteriorated amid financial disputes, leaving him vulnerable.
The documentary highlights the dangerous intersection of Punjabi music and organized crime. Sidhu’s gangster persona, influenced by hip-hop culture and icons like Tupac Shakur, blurred lines between art and reality. He received repeated death threats and extortion demands from gangs, particularly in Canada, where criminal groups sought to control artists through protection money or song rights. These threats escalated over time, but Sidhu remained defiant.
Sidhu’s first major concert in India at Panjab University drew massive crowds but also sparked controversy and police scrutiny due to concerns about glorifying violence and guns. Panjab University is portrayed as a significant political battleground, where student leaders often transition into mainstream politics, sometimes with ties to gangs. The episode details the rise of influential figures like Vicky Middukhera and Lawrence Bishnoi, who moved from student politics to organized crime. Goldy Brar, a Canada-based gangster linked to these groups, admitted to ordering Sidhu’s killing, though he remains at large.
The documentary underscores the fear and silence surrounding the investigation of Sidhu’s murder, with many unwilling to speak openly due to gang intimidation. It also draws parallels between Sidhu and Tupac Shakur, both artists who spoke truth to power and whose violent deaths left lasting legacies.
Presenters/Contributors:
- Sidhu Moose Wala (through interviews and archival footage)
- Friends and college acquaintances of Sidhu Moose Wala
- Producers and collaborators such as Byg Byrd and Deep Jandu
- Journalists and commentators covering Punjabi music and crime
- Gangster Goldy Brar (via phone interview)
- Police and experts on Punjab’s student politics and organized crime
- Sidhu’s family members and management associates
Category
News and Commentary