Full Breakdown
B.P. Singh, Creator of “CID” and “Aahat,” Dies at 77
By Drooid · · How we work
Death Announcement
On October 27, 2026, veteran director-producer Brijendra Pal Singh—widely known as B.P. Singh—passed away in Mumbai after a massive heart attack. Filmmaker Ashoke Pandit confirmed the death on social media. Family sources said the final rites will be performed in Mumbai on October 28, 2026.
Career Overview
Singh graduated in cinematography from FTII, Pune, and joined Doordarshan as a news cameraman in 1973, staying a decade before moving into television production. Early telefilms such as *Sirf Chaar Din* (1985) and the crime series *Ek Shunya Shunya* (1988) marked his shift to storytelling.
In 1994, he launched the horror anthology *Aahat*, which ran for more than two decades. He followed this with the crime procedural *CID* in 1998, which became one of India’s longest-running TV shows.
Signature Shows and Impact
- CID – 1998-2025, 1,651 episodes; popularised forensic-driven investigations and earned a Guinness World Record for the longest continuous camera shot in a TV episode.
- Aahat – Debuted in 1995, delivering horror and supernatural stories that became a weekend staple.
- Other productions: *Gutur Gu* (India’s first silent TV series, 2010-2014), *SuperCops Vs Super Villains* (2012-2017), and thriller anthologies such as *CID: Special Bureau* and *Raat Hone Ko Hai*.
Singh’s work reshaped crime drama and horror on Indian television, establishing formats still used today.
Technical Milestones
In 2004, Singh directed the CID episode *The Inheritance*, filmed in a single 111-minute take with 22 actors and a crew of 175. Guinness World Records recognised it as the longest uninterrupted camera shot for a television program.
Official Statements & Responses
Industry peers described Singh as a mentor who inspired a generation of television creators, emphasizing his dual expertise as cameraman and storyteller.
Verbatim Quotes
- “His work is still and will continue to be an inspiration to generations to come. Was fortunate to be a very close associate of him when he was the President of Indian Film & Television Directors’ Association,” — Ashoke Pandit
- “Seven cops and one dead body. That’s the basic premise of the show. All our episodes are based around this fact,” — P. Singh, director and producer
- “BP Singh ji had no other life, other than making content. He was dedicated to his work, was very passionate about it. He was also one of the best cameramen we had. He had not been well for quite some time, and today morning he just did not wake up. It was age-related, he was not well.” — Dayanand Shetty
Data & Statistics
- Birth year: 1949 (age 77).
- Doordarshan tenure: 1973-1983.
- CID episodes: 1,651.
- Aahat run: 1995-2025.
- Guinness record: 111-minute continuous shot, 2004.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Some outlets reported Singh’s age at death as 75; primary notices state 77. The discrepancy remains unresolved.
What’s Next
Family and industry representatives have scheduled Singh’s last rites for October 28, 2026 in Mumbai. Tributes continue to be shared across social media, underscoring his lasting influence on Indian television.
