Famous Indian rapper Muhammad Bilal Shaikh, widely known as Emiway Bantai released a song called ‘Tribute to Sidhu Moosewala’ on May 26, to honour Sidhu Moosewala on his third death anniversary. The worrying part is that just days after the songs release, on May 25, Emiway received a message on his registered mobile number threatening to kill him if he didn’t pay ₹1 crore in ransom.
According to Mumbai Police, the threat was made by a person who claimed to be Goldy Brar, a close associate of Canada-based gangster Lawrence Bishnoi. While giving the warning on the phone, he also mentioned the name of Rohit Godara, who is another close aide of Bishnoi and is believed to be based in the USA.
What Was The Message?
“I am gangster Goldy Brar. Your singer has 24 hours. I want Rs 1 crore or else I will kill him,” the message stated.
The message also mentioned the name of Rohit Godara, who is based in the US and is another close associate of the gangster, police said.
The rapper, who lives in Nerul, Navi Mumbai, filed a complaint at the NRI Coastal police station through a Bantai Records staff member who saw the message. More details about the case are still awaited.
Who is Emiway Bantai?
Widely recognised as one of Indian hip-hop’s biggest success stories, Emiway Bantai is also one of the scene’s most contentious and divisive voices. The Bengaluru-born, Mumbai-raised rapper, whose real name is Muhammad Bilal Shaikh made his debut in 2013 with the English rap song Glint Lock. But on his father’s advice, he shifted focus to rapping in Hindi, finding early underground success with 2014 single Aur Bantai. Collaborations with international stars, including Macklemore, Snoop Dogg, Lazarus, and Jamaican cricketer Chris Gayle followed. With 21.8 million followers on YouTube, and over three billion views, Emiway, who launched his own label Bantai Records in 2021, has now established himself as one of India’s biggest independent music stars.
Rapper Targeted After Tribute to Sidhu Moosewala
It’s important to note that Emiway Bantai received the threat just a few days after he released a song as a tribute to late singer Sidhu Moosewala. After releasing the song, Bantai said, “Sidhu Moosewala was more than just a singer, he was a movement. His voice, message, and spirit still inspire me and many others every day. My song ‘Tribute to Sidhu Moosewala’ is a way to show love and respect to someone who changed the music scene in his own unique way. Sidhu and I had even talked about working together, and we both wanted it. This tribute is my way of keeping that dream alive.”
Sidhu Moosewala’s Death
Sidhu Moosewala was killed on May 29, 2022. He was shot while sitting in his car in Jawaharke village, Mansa district. Even though he was quickly taken to the hospital, he died before doctors could treat him. After his death, his parents started a movement to get justice for him. A music video was also released, showing a flag with the message “Justice for Sidhu Moosewala.”
