Actor Yograj Singh has claimed that during the turbulent times of 1980, he was the only Punjabi film actor who was allowed to work. He said that he had met Sikh militant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, who had promised him security. At that time many prominent people associated with the art world were being targeted in Punjab.
Yograj met Dharmendra’s cousin before his death
Yograj also told that he had warned famous singer Amar Singh Chamkila to be careful as he had come under target due to his ‘bold and controversial songs’. He also told that he had met Dharmendra Deol’s cousin actor Virendra just three days before his death.
Although Yograj did not mention who killed Chamkila and Virendra, he admitted that Bhindranwale used to send his men to his (Yograj’s) sets so that no one could attack him. Virendra was the biggest Punjabi star of that time, and he was killed in the same year that Chamkila and his wife Amarjot were shot dead in Mahesampur village in 1988.
Bhindranwale had given security
While talking to Untold Punjab, Yograj told how he met Bhindranwale. Also said what conversation he had with Virendra and Chamkila. Yograj said, “I went to meet him (Bhindranwale). He was a very calm and gentle person. He gave me a big glass of milk. I remember it till today. I asked, ‘Ki Hukam?’ (What is the order?), then he said that your work is different, go.” Yograj told that after this, armed people used to come to his shooting set to provide him security.
Chamkila and Virendra were warned
Yograj said, “There were 20-25 armed people around me. I was completely safe. No one could even touch me. At that time, I was the only one working in the Punjabi film industry. Mehar Mittal’s life was in danger because he spoke very openly. Three days before Virendra’s death, I had told him, ‘Paaji, postpone the shooting.’ And then there was Chamkila – a great singer. There were his songs in one of my films, which I did not like. I was told not to work with him. I apologized and myself explained to Chamkila that she should be careful. He said, ‘Why does anyone need to kill me?'”
Yograj said that he told Chamkila that “this is not about anyone wanting to kill you, but about saving the sanctity of our culture.”
know that Yograj Singh He is the father of cricketer Yuvraj Singh. Along with being a cricketer and coach, he has also been an actor. He has done many films like Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, Bibi Rajni, Singh is Bliing, Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui, Apne Ghar Begane.
—- End —-
