Indian television has lost one of its most influential crime and thriller storytellers. B. P. Singh, the veteran producer-director best known for creating the long-running crime series CID and the horror show Aahat, died on October 27, 2026, at the age of 77. Filmmaker Ashoke Pandit confirmed his death, revealing that Singh had suffered a massive heart attack early in the morning.
Speaking to News9, Pandit recalled taking Singh to a hospital in Mumbai’s Santacruz area, where he was declared dead. The filmmaker also paid tribute to his longtime friend and colleague, highlighting the lasting influence of his work on Indian television.
“B.P. Singh was a master of thrillers, a maker who made some of the best thrillers on television,” Pandit said.
Singh’s last rites are scheduled for October 28.
B. P. Singh’s Legacy With CID and Aahat
Singh helped shape Indian television’s crime and suspense genres through two landmark shows. Aahat, which began airing in 1995, became a familiar presence for audiences who grew up watching supernatural mysteries and horror stories on television.
Three years later, he launched CID, the detective series that premiered in 1998 and went on to become one of India’s most recognisable television programmes. Its investigations, memorable characters and dramatic interrogations made it a household name across generations.
The show’s enduring popularity was reflected in its iconic characters, including ACP Pradyuman, Inspector Daya and Inspector Abhijeet. Singh also appeared on the series as DCP Shamsher Singh Chitrole, occasionally bringing his own presence in front of the camera.
Even after their original broadcasts, CID and Aahat continued to attract viewers through reruns. Pandit specifically highlighted that staying power, describing Singh’s work as an inspiration for future generations of filmmakers.
A Career Beyond Television Hits
A graduate of the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Singh began his career working as a cameraman for Doordarshan before moving into filmmaking and television production. He later served as FTII chairman from 2018 to 2020, adding an institutional role to his contributions to entertainment.
His career spanned decades, but CID and Aahat remain the projects most closely associated with his name. Their influence helped establish crime investigation and horror as enduring television formats in India.
Singh’s death marks the loss of a filmmaker whose stories became part of everyday viewing for millions. For generations of audiences, the worlds he created will remain a lasting part of Indian television history.
