The producer and show-runner behind iconic Indian TV shows such as “C.I.D.” and “Aahat,” Brijendrapal Singh (better known as B.P. Singh) passed away from a sudden cardiac arrest on October 27, 2026. An alumnus of the prestigious Film and Television Institute of India (he also served as its chairman from 2018-2020), Singh is considered a pioneer in the industry. His works in both the horror and thriller genres were a breath of fresh air for Indian households during the period known as the ‘Satellite TV boom.’
With only a handful of entertaining programmes to choose from on cable television, Singh’s creations were a refreshing escape for a younger demographic disinterested in watching the news and who rolled their eyes at melodramatic, screechy and repetitive soap operas.
Cue… the Haunting ‘Aahat’ Theme Song
Along with the Ramsay Brothers production, “Zee Horror Show,” Singh’s brain child, an eery horror anthology series named “Aahat” was equally goosebumps-inducing for countless ’90s-early 2000s kids who dared to wait up past their bedtimes to watch it. As an adult who recently went hunting for older episodes online to binge watch during Spooky Season, I can personally attest that segments like “Route No 61” (The Haunted/Killer Bus), “The Call” (which called out harmful superstitions and quack doctors) and “Khajan Mail/Blara Junction” (from the 2009 reboot of the show) still proved spine chilling despite the production value and effects showing their age.
“Aahat” not only succeeded in making everything from public modes of transport to scenic fort ramparts look scary, but also spawned similar anthology shows in its wake such as “Shh Koi Hai” and its spin-off “Vikraal Aur Gabraal.” Simultaneously, it launched the careers of now household names including an up-and-coming R Madhavan, Sunita Rajwar, Ashutosh Rana, Sanjay Mishra, and the late Achyut Podhar. It also featured established character actors too, like Anant Jog at his villainous best, playing the antagonist in the aforementioned “Route No 61” episode, a psychotic undead bus driver with a maniacal laugh on the prowl for new passengers. Filmmaker Sriram Raghavan best known for his work in the thriller genre in Bollywood also got a head start in the writer’s room of “Aahat” working on its early seasons.
‘C.I.D.’… the Homegrown ‘Desi’ of CSI
Singh also served as the creator of “C.I.D.,” another well-received long running series that can be best described as India’s answer to police procedurals in the West that follow a similar template like “CSI.” While “C.I.D.” wasn’t my cup of tea, it was also headlined by a bankable ensemble cast comprising Shivaji Satam and Aditya Srivastava (the latter briefly achieved success as a ‘final guy’ in the daytime horror “Kaalo” as well). The show even set a world record, a feat in itself.
Moreover, memorable catchphrases/running gags like ‘Daya, darwaza todh do’ (transl: Daya, break open the door) and forensic expert Dr Salunkhe’s cringeworthy antics have been immortalised as viral memes. Singh also appeared as a recurring character named D.C.P. Chitrole in the show. His last known work, “SuperCops V/S Super Villains,” combined both the police procedural and horror genres, revolving around genetically enhanced cops battling supernatural creatures like werewolves and vampires.
B.P. Singh will be sorely missed as well as remembered for changing/modernising the Indian television space, particularly by Gen Z and millennials who grew up watching his shows. They have yet to lose their appeal or rewatch value even decades since their inception, continuing to attract new fans in the era of smartphones and streaming too.
