Who was Boota Singh, the Sikh soldier who inspired Sunny Deol's Gadar 2 character?

Not widely known, but Sunny Deol's portrayal of Tara Singh in the movies Gadar (2001) and Gadar 2 (2023) draws loose inspiration from the life of an ex-soldier named Boota Singh.

Known as Shaheed-e-Muhabbat amongst his followers in Pakistan, Boota Singh's love story with a Muslim girl named Zainab ended tragically within the borders of Pakistan. His life has served as the inspiration for several Indian films, most notably Anil Sharma's "Gadar."

Who was Boota Singh?

Boota Singh was a Sikh soldier who served on the Burma front under Lord Mountbatten during World War 2.

During the tumultuous partition, Boota Singh is recognized for his efforts in rescuing numerous individuals in East Punjab who were caught in the crossfire of communal violence that erupted following the division. In one particular instance, Boota Singh intervened to rescue Zainab, a Muslim girl, who was being held by rioters.

In the essay "Shaheed-e-Mohabbat," writer Haroon Rashood sheds light on the love story between Boota Singh and Zainab. According to Rashood, while attempting to cross the border, Zainab was abducted by two Sikhs. Boota Singh heard her cries and upon seeing her, fell in love. He purchased her release for Rs 1,500, cared for her, and their mutual affection deepened, leading them to decide to marry. The couple was blessed with two daughters, Tanveer and Dilveer Kaur.

Zainab moves to Pakistan

However, nearly a decade later, the Indian and Pakistani governments signed the Inter-dominion Territory agreement, aimed at repatriating women who had been left behind on both sides during the partition.

Indian authorities tracked down Zainab in her village, guided by information provided by Boota's nephews, who revealed the presence of a Pakistani woman. Despite Zainab's pleas to remain in India, she was compelled to leave, taking her younger daughter Tanvir with her.

Boota managed to meet her during her time at the camp, but their contact ceased after her departure for Pakistan.

Boota embraces Islam to meet Zainab

In Punjab, Zainab faced challenging circumstances. Pressured by her uncle, she was pushed into considering marriage to her cousin. Faced with this ordeal, she requested her neighbor to send a letter from Pakistan to Boota Singh, beseeching him to rescue her.

Upon receiving the letter, Boota first sought assistance from Indian authorities in New Delhi to retrieve his wife and daughter. Failing to receive aid, he chose the only remaining option: to journey to Pakistan himself.

Boota converted to Islam and adopted the name Jamil Ahmed at Jama Masjid in New Delhi before entering Pakistan illegally in his bid to reunite with Zainab and their daughter.

A tragic end

Unfortunately, Zainab's family rejected Boota, turning him over to Pakistani authorities. Boota's attempts to legally pursue his case in a Lahore court were met with adversity. Influenced by familial pressures, Zainab testified against returning to India and pleaded for her daughter's repatriation with Boota Singh.

Dejected and disheartened by these events, Boota opted to end his life rather than face humiliation. On February 16, 1958, he tragically jumped in front of a Shahdara train, witnessed by his five-year-old daughter.

Police discovered three suicide notes on Boota's person. The first letter entrusted Zainab with the care of their daughters. The second constituted his will, bequeathing his wealth to a mosque, while the third expressed his desire to be laid to rest in the village of Nurpur.

Only the second wish could be fulfilled. However, protests against his burial at Nurpur led to his interment at the Miani Sahib graveyard, Pakistan's largest Muslim cemetery.

Legacy and remembrance

Today, Boota Singh, now known as Jamil Ahmed, rests in peace at the Miani Sahib graveyard. His followers initially attempted to construct a shrine in his memory, but opposition from certain quarters resulted in the destruction of the cement structures erected by his supporters.

Presently, Boota Singh's grave lies in Pakistan. In India, his life story has inspired several filmmakers, most notably Anil Sharma's blockbuster Gadar (2001) and Gadar 2 (2023).