Archive · 13 Aug 2026
Gurcharan Singh Kaler, Ludhiana's Shingar Cinema owner, dies at 89
A very kind and hard-working man named Gurcharan Singh Kaler lived in a city called Ludhiana in India.
He owned a movie theatre called Shingar Cinema that entertained people for almost fifty years.
The theatre opened in 1975 and was one of the first places in the area with more than one movie screen.
Famous actors Raj Kapoor and Randhir Kapoor reportedly came to open it.
Families loved it because it was an affordable place to have fun, especially for people who could not pay for multiplexes.
In 2007, a sad blast at the cinema killed six people and hurt many more, but Mr. Kaler opened the doors again the very next day.
He also ran transport businesses, served the Radha Soami Sect, and helped open a charitable hospital in Raikot.
Mr. Kaler passed away at 89, and his family and followers will always remember his dedication.
Gurcharan Singh Kaler, owner of Shingar Cinema and a prominent Ludhiana businessman, died late Tuesday night at age 89.
Shingar Cinema, opened in 1975, was among the earliest multi-screen theatre complexes in the region and shut around six months ago after nearly five decades.
In October 2007, a blast at the cinema killed six people and injured 37; Kaler reopened the hall the very next day.
Kaler was also associated with New Akal Transport and Bharat Transport and served as General Secretary of the Radha Soami Sect.
Kaler maintained ties with Raikot's pre-Partition history, including the Rai family's Ganga Sagar relic linked to Guru Gobind Singh.
- Who
- Gurcharan Singh Kaler, 89-year-old owner of Shingar Cinema and prominent businessman in Ludhiana.
- What
- He died late Tuesday night after months of poor health caused by a heart condition.
- When
- Late Tuesday night; the articles do not give a specific date.
- Where
- Ludhiana, where Shingar Cinema stood as a landmark on Samrala Road in the old city area.
- Why
- He had a heart condition and had not been keeping well for the past few months.
- Age at death
- 89
- Role
- Owner of Shingar Cinema; General Secretary of the Radha Soami Sect
- Cinema history
- Opened 1975; among the earliest multi-screen complexes; closed around six months ago after nearly five decades
- Cinema sections
- Shingaar, Mini Shingaar and Midi Shingaar
- 2007 blast
- Six killed, 37 injured; cinema reopened the next day
- Other businesses
- New Akal Transport, Bharat Transport
- Survived by
- Two sons and grandchildren
- Last prayer meeting
- Nirvana Club, August 14, 1 pm - 2 pm