Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Oct 28: The television industry is mourning the death of veteran producer-director Brijendra Pal Singh, popularly known as BP Singh, who was behind popular crime shows such as CID and Aahat. Veteran actor Shivaji Satam, best known for portraying ACP Pradyuman in CID for over two decades, has paid an emotional tribute to his longtime friend, saying Singh deserved the Padma Shri for his contribution to Indian television.
Speaking to Variety India, Satam described Singh’s death as the end of a significant chapter in his life and recalled how the filmmaker shaped his career.
“The biggest chapter of my life is over today. He was a great man, a great friend. I learned everything from him. I came from theatre. I knew how to act on stage. But B. P. Singh taught me how to deliver in front of the camera, how to be larger than life when required. He explained magnification so well. He was a wonderful teacher,” Satam said.
Recalling their longstanding friendship, the actor said their relationship had endured disagreements and differences without losing its strength. He described Singh as a friend who stood by him through different phases of life and taught him valuable lessons.
Speaking about Singh’s contribution to television, Satam said the veteran filmmaker deserved the Padma Shri but had never been concerned about receiving such recognition.
“A man like him should be given a Padma Shri. But he never bothered about that. He'd say, ‘Leave it, what difference is that going to make? Our audience is there, right?’ The audience is still there. It's a big achievement,” he said.
BP Singh passed away on the morning of October 28 at the age of 78 after suffering a heart attack. Filmmaker Ashoke Pandit confirmed the news on social media and paid tribute to Singh, remembering him as a brilliant filmmaker whose crime shows won audiences across the country.
Pandit also recalled working closely with Singh during his tenure as president of the Indian Film and Television Directors’ Association (IFTDA), describing him as a wonderful human being and a dear friend.
Singh’s funeral is scheduled to take place on October 28, with further details yet to be announced.