This former addict a source of inspiration for many

Archit Watts

Tribune News Service

Muktsar, August 5

Baljinder Singh Sandhu (41), who is popularly known as Mintu Gurusaria, a former drug addict-cum-gangster from Gurusar Jodha village in the Lambi Assembly segment here, is a source of inspiration for many.

After shunning drugs and other criminal activities, he is now a successful author of three books. Besides, he is a radio announcer on some channels in Canada, UK and USA. Moreover, two films have also been made on his life till date. While one movie ‘Dakuaan Da Munda’ was released last year, another movie ‘Zindagi Zindabaad’ will release in November this year.

A former kabaddi player, Mintu entered the world of crime when he was just 16 and consumed smack for the first time. Later, he faced several criminal cases of murder and dacoity. However, after living a criminal’s life for almost 16 years, he gradually left everything illegal and started writing and made bodybuilding his hobby.

Mintu recalled that a road mishap in 2011 while bringing narcotics from Haryana on his Bullet motorcycle changed his life. He had to remain on bed for a long time. “In the past, I consumed almost every drug. But, I have earned my name now. Earlier, people used to advise their children to stay away from me and now a number of people from across the state and even abroad come to my house to meet me. They take selfies and suggestions to quit drugs. Even I go to de-addiction centres and camps to give motivation lectures. Last few years have totally changed my life,” said Mintu.

He added, “Now, I am an author of three books and a film story writer. A movie on my autobiography, ‘Dakuaan Da Munda’, was released last year and now another movie ‘Zindagi Zindabaad’ based on my book ‘Soolan’, which is on my life and some of my companions, is releasing in November this year. Moreover, I have written the story of a movie ‘State V/s Waryam Singh’.”

Notably, Mintu’s father had once disassociated him from the property. He could not even attend the cremation of his father and marriage of younger brother due to his criminal activities.

His successful journey, however, was difficult. “I was rejected for even meager jobs. We had nearly 11-acre land, but once we lost almost everything due to my bad habits, including my father and grandfather. However, now, I have built a house, live normal married life like any other person. Some people had even tried to stop me from mending my ways, but by that time, I had made my mind,” said Mintu.

He further appealed to the addicts to mend their ways and lead a normal life. “Drugs can only ruin the families and nothing else. My books and movies based on them too give this message to society. I have even met the  Chief Minister and advised him some steps to curb the drugs menace in the state,” he said.