Chandigarh, Feb 19: Slain Punjabi artist Sidhu Moosewala’s official YouTube channel has surged to 29.8 million subscribers, placed just behind the 29.9 million mark held by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. While the singer’s global audience grows, his estate is currently entangled in a significant financial dispute involving claims of more than Rs 30 crore in missing digital royalties.
Authorities in Mansa registered an FIR against One Digital Entertainment Pvt Ltd and individuals Shabir Momin and Gurpreet Singh after the singer’s parents alleged a widespread conspiracy to withhold earnings. The charges leveled against the firm include forgery and criminal breach of trust. The legal move followed an emotional public protest by Moosewala’s father, Balkaur Singh, who affirmed his commitment to securing his son’s financial legacy.
“I have been left with a balance of just Rs 100 while millions are being generated from Sidhu’s work,” Singh declared during the protest. He asserted that the family is fighting for transparency regarding the revenue generated by the singer’s vast catalog on digital streaming services.
The investigation has surfaced tensions with former associate and producer Bunty Bains. Although Bains was not included in the formal police charges, he has been a vocal critic of how the family has handled the public narrative. Bains maintained that the royalty issues do not involve him, as he had no role in managing the accounts. He further stated that the family has engaged in paid social media efforts to disparage him rather than resolving matters privately.
The singer’s YouTube channel continues to be a primary source of revenue and influence, frequently posting previously unreleased material that draws massive engagement. This consistent activity has allowed the channel to maintain a trajectory that matches the digital footprint of the nation’s top political leadership. Neither Shabir Momin nor Gurpreet Singh has issued a public statement regarding the police investigation or the family’s claims.
