'He Was Our Godfather': CID Stars Break Down at B. P. Singh's Funeral
CID actors Shivaji Satam, Dayanand Shetty, and Ashwini Kalsekar bid a tearful farewell to veteran director B. P. Singh.
The Indian television industry is mourning the loss of a visionary. The funeral of veteran director and producer Brijendra Pal Singh, the mastermind behind the legendary crime series CID, took place on Tuesday in Mumbai. A wave of grief swept through the cremation ground as a multitude of film and television personalities gathered to bid a final farewell to the man who redefined the crime thriller genre in India.
Emotional Tributes from the 'CID' Family
For the actors who became household names through CID, B. P. Singh was more than just a director; he was a mentor and a guiding light. The loss has left a void that they describe as irreplaceable.
Ashwini Kalsekar became visibly emotional while recalling her bond with the veteran. Referring to him as her "guru," she expressed that while the industry has lost a pioneer, her loss is deeply personal. Kalsekar credited Singh for teaching her the fundamental basics of acting—from the confidence to stand in a frame and the technique of running during a scene to the proper way to hold a pistol. She noted that his teachings on the subtle nuances of on-screen performance would live on through her.
Shivaji Satam, the face of the iconic show, described the demise as a massive blow to the industry. He emphasized that a technician of Singh's caliber is truly irreplaceable and cannot be recreated. Satam highlighted that every actor who worked under his direction walked away with invaluable lessons.
Dayanand Shetty shared a heartfelt memory, revealing that B. P. Singh was like a godfather to him. Shetty recalled that his very first experience facing a camera was with Singh Sahab, a memory he will always cherish. Having spent nearly three decades working under his guidance, Shetty praised Singh as a generous soul who actively helped struggling actors find their footing in the competitive world of entertainment.
A Master of the Craft and Humility
The tributes extended beyond the cast. Filmmaker Ashoke Pandit spoke highly of Singh's quiet brilliance, noting that he was a master of acting, direction, and production who preferred to let his work speak for itself rather than seeking the limelight.
Pandit pointed out a remarkable milestone in Singh's career: the creation of a 111-minute episode filmed in a single shot, an achievement that earned him international recognition. Despite such a feat, Pandit remarked that Singh's humility remained intact, as he never boasted about his accomplishments.
Industry in Mourning
Other prominent figures also expressed their sorrow:
- Ravi Jhankal prayed for the peace of the departed soul, stating that the industry would miss him dearly.
- Sunil Pal described Singh as an incredibly down-to-earth individual, mentioning that even real-life CID officers held him in high regard.
Brijendra Pal Singh passed away on October 27, 2026, at the age of 77 in Mumbai, leaving behind a legacy of storytelling that captivated millions of viewers for decades.