Following the passing of legendary television director and producer B.P. Singh, actor Aditya Srivastava—best known for his portrayal of Senior Inspector Abhijeet—paid a heartfelt tribute to the visionary creator of CID.

Reflecting on a partnership that spanned over two decades, Srivastava remembered Singh as an innovative filmmaker, a courageous pioneer, and the warm patriarch of a closely-knit television family.

The Visionary Behind the Lens

Describing Singh as a master technician and a fearless maker, Srivastava highlighted his pioneering approach to direction and cinematography. Beyond his technical prowess, Singh was renowned for his bold experimental choices—most notably designing and executing CID’s historic 111-minute single-shot episode, which earned a place in both the Limca Book of Records and the Guinness World Records.

“He always thought about taking the program forward and about doing something new,” Srivastava shared. “That is probably why he created a 111-minute single-shot episode… He was a master of the craft, a great technician, a great cameraman, very innovative, and a courageous maker.”

Srivastava also recalled Singh’s mastery of guerilla-style, candid filmmaking, which gave the show its gritty, realistic feel even in dense public spaces.

“No matter how crowded the area, street, market, or fair was, we could shoot very easily because, before people even realized it, Singh Sahab would finish the shoot,” Srivastava remarked. “Where and when he would shoot was his mastery. Candid shooting was a major part of our CID show.”

Leading from the Front

Whether navigating hazardous terrains or filming high-octane sequences, Singh was known for his hands-on dedication.

“His participation was always number one—whether the shoot was in a jungle, in water, in snow, or in a ravine,” Srivastava said. “Since CID was a very action-oriented show, he would always be standing there ahead of everyone. He was very passionate, and we all miss him.”

Patriarch of the ‘CID Family’

Beyond the set, Singh created an environment defined by deep personal bonds, laughter, and camaraderie. For Srivastava, Singh was far more than a director—he was a mentor, confidant, and elder brother figure.

“Through CID, we were associated with him for 20-25 years. He had created a CID family, and he was its head and chief,” Srivastava said. “Professionally, we all did our own work in our own ways, but personally too, he interacted with everyone, and he participated equally in everyone’s joys and sorrows.”

Remembering the joy of working on location, Srivastava fondly recalled how Singh balanced rigorous shoot schedules with warmth and humor. “Singh Sahab was a very jovial person, and it was a lot of fun working with him. Whenever we shot outside the studio, we would figure out where to eat and where to spend a good time. It was a wonderful journey.”

Calling Singh’s demise a profound personal blow and an irreparable loss for the Indian entertainment industry, Srivastava concluded: “It is a personal loss for all of us, and a huge loss for the industry that such a great maker has left us. Rest in peace, sir.”