Once upon a time in the 1980s there was a Punjabi film star whose fame rivaled even the biggest names in Indian cinema. He was loved for giving one hit after another both as an actor and a producer. But 37 years ago during a film shoot his life was cruelly cut short murdered in broad daylight on a movie set. His story became one of the saddest mysteries in Punjabi film history. Who was this star? The name of this superstar was Late Veerendra Singh Deol (born Subhash Dhaduwal) cousin to Bollywood legend Dharmendra. Though less known nationally today back then Veerendra was a giant in Punjabi cinema an actor writer director and producer. He kicked off his acting journey in 1975 with Teri Meri Ek Jindri the same film in which Dharmendra also appeared. Over just 12 years Veerendra produced about 25 films many of which were box office successes. His hit Punjabi titles include Batwara Lambhardarni Balbiro Bhabhi Yaari Jatt Di Dushmani Dee Agg to name a few. He also acted in some Hindi films like Do Chehre and Khel Muqaddar Ka. How popular did Veerendra Singh Deol become? Veerendra was so popular that many producers and directors wanted him in their films. He was at a peak where every film he touched was expected to be a blockbuster. But fame often breeds envy. Some say that his very stardom while bringing him success also made him a target rumours grew that his refusal to yield to militant pressure or possibly backlash over artistic choices played a part. But in the absence of concrete evidence these remain speculation. How did Veerendra Singh Deol die? Veerendra was only about 40 when the tragedy struck. In December 1988 while shooting the Punjabi film Jatt Te Zameen in a village near Ludhiana (Talwandi Kalan) he was fatally shot. Reports suggest militants may have targeted him. Nobody was ever officially charged and the case remains unsolved to this day. His sudden death stunned the industry and left many questions unanswered about who did it and why someone so adored was taken in this brutal way. Story Highlights Veerendra Singh Deol was a major Punjabi film star in the 1980s and cousin of Bollywood actor Dharmendra. He gave several back-to-back hits as an actor director and producer becoming a household name in Punjab. In 1988 he was tragically shot dead on a film set during the shoot of Jatt Te Zameen near Ludhiana. His murder remains unsolved with speculations of militant involvement but no official closure to the case. Veerendra Singh Deol’s legacy is one of immense talent and a tragic end. From being one of the most bankable stars in Punjabi cinema to becoming the victim of a shocking and unresolved murder his story is both inspiring and heartbreaking.