The Documentary Podcast The shooting of India’s biggest hip hop star
Jul 26, 2025
Ishleen Kaur, an investigative journalist with the BBC World Service, dives into the shocking assassination of Sidhu Moose Wala, a global hip hop icon from Punjab. She explores the chilling intersection of music and gangsterism, highlighting how his lyrics resonated with societal struggles and youth aspirations. Kaur delves into the immediate fallout of his death, the mystery surrounding the alleged assailant Goldie Brar, and the profound impact of this tragedy on the Punjabi community. The conversation underscores the complexities of fame and violence in celebrity culture.
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Hidden Crime in Punjab
- Punjab appears beautiful with vast fields but hides a culture of gangsterism and fear.
- Historical tragedies and illegal activities have fueled this rise in crime and weapons normalization.
Guns in Cafes
- In Chandigarh cafes, people openly carry pistols, normalizing gun culture.
- Ishleen Kaur personally witnessed this shocking display of weapons.
Sidhu's Genre-Breaking Impact
- Sidhu Musawala transformed traditional Punjabi folk into rap influenced by American hip-hop.
- His turbaned Sikh identity challenged norms and appealed to both diaspora and youth.