Mumbai: Brijendra Pal Singh, popularly known as BP Singh, the filmmaker who created and produced the long-running crime television series CID, died on Tuesday morning, October 27, following a massive heart attack. He was 77.
Singh became a familiar name in Indian households through CID, which began airing in 1998 and went on to become one of Indian television’s most recognisable crime dramas. He was associated with the show as its creator, director and producer, helping shape its distinctive investigative format and memorable characters.
His death prompted tributes from members of the television and film industries, who remembered him for his contribution to Indian entertainment and his dedication to filmmaking.
Filmmaker Ashoke Pandit announced Singh’s death in a social media post. Pandit recalled his association with the veteran filmmaker during his tenure as president of the Indian Film & Television Directors’ Association (IFTDA) and described him as both an accomplished professional and a close friend.
Dayanand Shetty, who became widely known for playing Inspector Daya in CID, also paid tribute to Singh. Speaking to HT City, Shetty said the filmmaker had not been keeping well for some time and remained deeply committed to his work.
Singh’s last rites are scheduled for Wednesday, October 28, with further details expected to be shared by the family.
Ashoke Pandit announces BP Singh’s death
Ashoke Pandit shared the news of Singh’s passing on social media, remembering his contribution to Indian television through crime and horror shows.
In his tribute, Pandit described Singh as an accomplished producer and director whose work had captivated audiences across the country through CID and Aahat.
“Sad to know about the demise of an ace Producer Director B.P.Singh ji due to a massive heart attack today early morning,” Pandit wrote.
He added that Singh’s work would continue to inspire future generations of filmmakers.
Pandit also recalled their professional association at the Indian Film & Television Directors’ Association, where Singh had served as president. Remembering their personal bond, he described the late filmmaker as a great human being and a dear friend.
He extended his condolences to Singh’s family and loved ones and confirmed that the last rites would take place on October 28, with the details to be announced later.
The announcement led to an outpouring of condolences from people who had worked with Singh and viewers who grew up watching his television productions.
Dayanand Shetty remembers the filmmaker’s dedication
Dayanand Shetty, who played the popular character Daya in CID, remembered Singh as a filmmaker whose life revolved around creating content.
Speaking to HT City, Shetty said Singh had been unwell for some time. He also highlighted the veteran’s commitment to his work and his technical skills behind the camera.
“BP Singh ji had no other life, other than making content. He was dedicated to his work and was very passionate about it. He was also one of the best cameramen we had,” Shetty said.
The actor added that Singh had not been keeping well for quite some time.
Shetty’s remarks offered a glimpse into the working relationship between the filmmaker and the cast of CID, whose long association with the show helped make it a major part of Indian television’s crime-drama landscape.
Singh’s approach to filmmaking extended beyond directing actors. His background in cinematography also contributed to his reputation as a technically accomplished television professional.
For viewers, the success of CID was closely associated with its recurring characters, investigative stories and familiar presentation. Behind that identity was Singh’s work in developing and sustaining the series over many years.
CID made BP Singh a household name
BP Singh’s most enduring contribution to Indian television was CID, the crime series that began airing in 1998.
The show followed a team of investigators as they solved murder cases, disappearances and other serious crimes. Its format combined procedural investigations with recurring characters and dramatic reveals, helping it build a loyal audience.
Singh served as the show’s creator, director and producer. His involvement played a central role in establishing the series’ style and maintaining its identity over an extended run.
The programme also became known for its ensemble cast, including Shivaji Satam as ACP Pradyuman, Aditya Srivastava as Abhijeet and Dayanand Shetty as Daya.
The characters became familiar to generations of viewers, while the show’s investigative format made it one of the more recognisable crime programmes on Indian television.
Singh also occasionally appeared on screen as DCP Shamsher Singh Chitrole, adding an acting credit to his work behind the camera.
The show’s popularity extended beyond its original broadcast years, with its characters and dialogues continuing to feature in television references and online discussions.
Aahat showcased his interest in horror
Apart from crime dramas, Singh was also closely associated with Aahat, Sony TV’s horror anthology series.
The programme first aired in 1995 and continued until 2015, presenting supernatural stories, suspense and horror narratives across multiple seasons.
Unlike CID, which focused on investigations and the pursuit of criminals, Aahat explored fear, unexplained events and supernatural themes. Its format allowed different stories and characters to appear across episodes, giving the series considerable variety.
The show became a familiar title for viewers interested in horror on Indian television and established Singh’s reputation across more than one genre.
His association with both CID and Aahat demonstrated his ability to work with distinct storytelling styles while building programmes around suspense and audience engagement.
The two shows also formed an important part of Sony TV’s programming history, with CID rooted in crime investigation and Aahat in horror and supernatural fiction.
BP Singh’s other television projects
Singh’s work extended beyond his two best-known shows. His other projects included Khaaki, Abhay and SuperCops Vs Super Villains.
These productions reflected his continued association with crime, investigation and action-oriented storytelling on Indian television.
Across his career, Singh worked in several capacities, including directing, producing and developing television content. His experience as a cameraman also formed an important part of his professional background.
His career unfolded during a period when Indian television was expanding its range of original programming. Long-running series such as CID demonstrated how a television show could develop a distinctive identity through recurring characters and a consistent format.
Singh’s work helped establish crime and suspense as enduring genres for Indian television audiences.
Tributes highlight his contribution to Indian television
The tributes following Singh’s death have focused on both his professional achievements and his personal relationships with colleagues.
Pandit’s message highlighted Singh’s contribution to the entertainment industry and his association with the directors’ fraternity. Shetty’s comments, meanwhile, emphasised the filmmaker’s dedication and passion for producing content.
For the cast and crew associated with CID, Singh was central to the creation and continuation of a programme that remained part of Indian television for decades.
For viewers, his legacy is closely tied to the familiar world of ACP Pradyuman, Daya and Abhijeet, along with the investigations that became a regular feature of the show.
His work on Aahat also ensured that his contribution extended to another popular television genre.
A lasting legacy through CID and Aahat
BP Singh’s death marks the loss of a filmmaker whose work reached audiences across generations.
Through CID, he helped create a crime series that became a fixture of Indian television, while Aahat established another lasting presence in horror programming. His other projects further reflected his continued involvement in crime, suspense and action-based storytelling.
The tributes from Ashoke Pandit and Dayanand Shetty underline the respect he commanded among colleagues who knew him professionally and personally.
Singh’s last rites are scheduled for October 28, with further details awaited. As the television industry remembers him, his most enduring legacy remains the body of work he created and the lasting place CID and Aahat hold in Indian popular culture.