Hours later, he was shot dead in a manner eerily resembling the setting described in the song.
Promoting his ‘Baby Badmash’ song released last month, Haryanvi singer-YouTuber Ankit Balyan sang a few of its lines, including, “Murder maar de sadak ke upar (murder on the road)” to his Instagram followers in a video.
Promoting his ‘Baby Badmash’ song released last month, Haryanvi singer-YouTuber Ankit Balyan sang a few of its lines, including, “Murder maar de sadak ke upar (murder on the road)” to his Instagram followers in a video. Hours later, he was shot dead.
A resident of Banti Kheda village in Shamli, Balyan had made a name for himself in the Haryanvi music industry. However, a career in music was not always Balyan’s plan. He had to quit the sport after suffering a leg fracture and later joined a gym. He lived between Rohtak, Sonipat and Delhi’s Khajuri Khas for his music work and had offices at all three places.
Balyan was leaving a gym in the Kotwali area of Shamli around 6.45 pm on Wednesday when four assailants travelling on two motorcycles opened fire on him. His YouTube channel had over 3.68 lakh subscribers, and his songs — heavily featuring guns, fights and SUVs, and with lyrics invoking themes of violence, defiance and rivalry — often drew millions of views. His brother Kapil told mediapersons that the singer played state-level kabadi until 2013-14 and had participated in competitions in Delhi, Bhopal and other places. It was around 2022 that Balyan began pursuing his passion for Haryanvi music. Over the years, he worked for more than 50 songs as a singer, lyricist and music composer. He remained active through music videos and social media and had about 4.97 lakh followers on Instagram as well, with his account displaying the tagline ‘Yudhay Krit Nishchaya’ (determined to fight), fitting with his song lyrics and musical genre.
He sustained critical injuries and was declared dead at a community health centre, police said. He usually visited his village once every one or two months, locals said.
