Deep Sidhu was an Indian barrister, social activist, and actor, who worked in Punjabi films. On 15 February 2022, he died in a car accident at Kundli-Manesar-Palwal (KMP) Expressway that bypasses Delhi.
Wiki/Biography
Deep Sidhu was born on Monday, 2 April 1984 (age 37 years; at the time of death) in Sri Muktsar Sahib, Punjab. His zodiac sign is Aries. He did Bachelor of Laws.
Physical Appearance
Height (approx.): 6’
Hair Colour: Black
Eye Colour: Brown
Family
Parents & Siblings
His father, Sardar Surjit Singh, was a lawyer. His mother had passed away when he was only 4 years old. He had one brother named Mandeep Singh.
Relationships/Affairs
He was in a relationship with the US-based Punjabi actress Reena Rai.
Career
As a Lawyer
After completing his graduation in law, he started practising as a legal advisor of ‘Sahara India Pariwar.’ He was then associated with the ‘Hammonds,’ a British law firm that has managed legal affairs of various media channels like Disney and Sony Pictures. Deep Sidhu then practised as a legal head of the Indian film production house ‘Balaji Telefilms.’ Reportedly, the Indian producer and co-founder of Balaji Telefilms Ekta Kapoor had once offered Deep a role in one of her TV series, but he rejected the offer. Deep had worked with various ace Indian lawyers such as Ram Jethmalani, Harish Salve, Rohinton Fali Nariman, Mukul Rohatgi, and Arun Jaitley. Later, Sidhu started a legal firm named ‘Lex Legal,’ and some of his clients were Sanjay Leela Bhansali Films, Balaji Telefilms, Vijayta Films, Red Chillies, PVR Pictures, and Sony Pictures.
As a Model and Actor
He had worked as a model and walked the ramp for many famous Indian fashion designers like Hemant Trivedi and Rohit Gandhi. In 2015, he made his acting debut with the Punjabi film ‘Ramta Jogi’ in which he played the role of Jogi. The film was produced under the film production banner Vijayta Films owned by the Indian actors Dharmendra, Sunny Deol, and Bobby Deol. Some of his other Punjabi films are ‘Jora 10 Numbaria’ (2017), ‘Saade Aale’ (2018; the first Punjabi film to be premiered at the Cannes Film Festival).
His last film as an actor was ‘Jora: The Second Chapter’ (2020).
As a Social Activist
He was actively involved in the farmer’s protest which was started against the bill passed by the Indian government in 2020. In the support of farmers’ protests, a few farmers organised various rallies in which Deep was also involved. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) issued a summon to Deep on 17 January 2021 for his involvement in a case that was filed against the outlawed group Sikhs For Justice (SFJ). While talking to the reporters, Sidhu said,
This (NIA summons) is nothing to be surprised about. The government is doing all it can to threaten protesters. I am not affected by these notices. I never had any contact with the SFJ. There is no reason I should be in touch with them. I don’t know who they are. Such notices are part of our fight for farmers.”
Controversy
During the tenure of the farmers’ protest, a tractor rally was organised by the farmers in Punjab. Deep Sidhu was considered the key person to be involved in the tractor rally organised on 26 January 2021 which went out of control. In the protest, the farmers marched towards the Red Fort and hoisted their flags. While talking about the whole incident, the Bharat Kisan Union leader Rakesh Tikait said,
Deep Sidhu is not a Sikh, he is a worker of the BJP. This is a movement of farmers and will remain so. Some people will have to leave this place immediately – those who broke barricading will never be a part of the movement.”
Various farmer unions accused him of the mishappening at the protest. Later, Deep Sidhu went live on his Facebook account and said,
I was not responsible for the Red Fort march by the protestors and the hoisting of the flags. The situation that took place at the sight was done in the heat of the moment.”
The Delhi Police announced a reward of Rs. 1 lakh on 3 February 2021 for providing information that would help in the arrest of Deep Sidhu, Gurjot Singh, and Gurjant Singh (involved in farmers’ protest). He was arrested on 9 February 2021, by the SWR Range of the Special Cell of Delhi Police from Punjab’s Zirakpur area for his involvement in the incident that happened in the protest.
Awards
- Won the ‘Kingfisher Model Hunt in 2014
- Won Grasim Mr. Personality & Grasim Mr. Talented in 2014
Death
He died of a massive car accident on 15 February 2022 held at Kundli-Manesar-Palwal (KMP) Expressway that bypasses Delhi. He was accompanied by his fiancée in the car. However, she survived and had minor injuries.
Facts/Trivia
- While he was in college, he participated in various modelling competitions.
- In 2021, after he came in the news for his involvement in farmers’ protests, his pictures with the Indian actors Sunny Deol, Dharmendra, and Bobby Deol went viral on the internet. Later, Sunny Deol tweeted,