Veerendra

Veerendra Biography

Veerendra was a film star associated with Punjabi cinema in the 1980s, and was the most sought hero of the era. He was also a Writer, Producer and Director. He made his debut with a Punjabi film called Teri Meri Ek Jindri, which was released in the year 1975, and he went on to become a huge star. Unfortunately he was assassinated by a gunshot on 6 December 1988 at Talwandi Kalan (Ludhiana District) at the age of 40. He was survived by his wife Pammi Veerendra and two sons. Famous Bollywood star Dharmendra is his first cousin, and thus he was an uncle of actors – Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol and Esha Deol. In a short film career of just 12 years, he made some of the top Punjabi films of the era.

Veerendra was born in Phagwara of Kapurthala District, Punjab on 16th August 1948. Veerinder Singh is his real name. As an actor, Teri Meri Ek Jindri was his first film, released in 1975. If he had not died at a young age, he would have become a superstar of Indian cinema. Within a short period, he gained immense popularity among Punjabi audience, perhaps more than his real cousin Dharmendra. Despite being cousins they were close as they were born and raised in the same house in Phagwara. Dharmendra also made brief appearances in many of his films, including his debut flick.

He was shot dead on a shooting location of the movie, “Jatt Te Zameen”, and it’s widely that someone who was jealous of his rising career did this heinous act. Many of his films were released posthumously. His untimely death might have robbed the film world of a great star. Varinder's demise was a big blow to the Punjabi Film Industry. The void left was never filled. He frequently paired with top actress of the time, Daljeet Kaur and they together delivered many super hits. After his death, Punjabi cinema turned sick, and films released deteriorated in terms of quality. The glorious era had already gone.

Veerendra was a director, producer and writer who made nearly 25 films in his 12-year career. Some of his famous films include - Lambardarni, Sarpanch, Batwara and Yaari Jatt Di. He also tried his hand at Hindi films such as Khel Muqaddar Ka (1981) and Do Chehere (1977). He along with his cousin actor Kanwar Ajit Singh married real sisters. His son Randeep Arya is married to top Indian model and film actress, Deepti Bhatnagar.

Published: October 28, 2018

Updated: October 28, 2018