Punjabi makeup artist and social media influencer Mad Sandhu was shot dead in Amritsar on Saturday evening, October 3. The influencer, whose real name was Madhusudan Sandhu, was attacked by two unidentified motorcycle-borne men on Loharka Road, according to police.
Sandhu sustained multiple bullet injuries and died while being taken to hospital. Police have launched an investigation and said they have leads in the case, but the motive and identities of the attackers have not yet been established.
Here are five things to know about Mad Sandhu, his family, career and life as a prominent LGBTQ+ personality.
Mad Sandhu Real Name And Career
Mad Sandhu was the professional name of Madhusudan Sandhu, a Punjabi makeup artist, fashion creator, social media influencer and digital podcaster from Amritsar. He became popular through Instagram reels, viral videos and content around makeup, fashion, lifestyle, luxury looks, memes and social commentary. He also appeared on podcasts where he spoke about makeup artistry, the film industry and gender-related issues.
Sandhu had built a following of more than two lakh people on Instagram and was known for his outspoken personality online.
Mad Sandhu’s Father Was A Retired Punjab Police Sub-Inspector
According to Amritsar Police Commissioner Harmanbir Singh Gill, Sandhu was the son of a retired Punjab Police sub-inspector. Police said he lived in a residential colony under the jurisdiction of Amritsar Rural police. There is currently limited verified information available about his father, including his name, posting history or years of service. It is therefore better not to speculate about those details.
Mad Sandhu As Makeup Artist And Influencer
Sandhu reportedly started his professional career in the fashion industry as a stylist and assistant costume designer, working across Punjab and Mumbai. He later moved towards makeup, fashion and digital content. His Instagram presence helped him build a wider audience, while his appearances in podcasts and entertainment-related spaces further increased his visibility.
Sandhu also had acting credits in Punjabi entertainment, including the Oye Bhole Oye series, according to reports. His content was not limited to beauty. He regularly discussed social norms, gender expression, pop culture and LGBTQ+ acceptance.
Mad Sandhu’s LGBTQ+ Journey
Sandhu was openly gay and had become a visible LGBTQ+ personality on social media. He spoke publicly about LGBTQ+ acceptance and gender expression and often addressed criticism of his appearance, clothing and content. Reports also note that he faced homophobic trolling online.
His response to criticism was often rooted in accepting himself as he was. His LGBTQ+ identity became an important part of his public persona, alongside his work in makeup and fashion.
Mad Sandhu’s Nihang Controversy
Months before his death, Sandhu was involved in a controversy after a Nihang jathedar objected to some of his social-media content, clothing and older videos. The earlier dispute has now come under scrutiny as part of the investigation into his killing. However, a connection between that controversy and the shooting has not been established by police. Investigators are examining different possibilities as they work to determine the motive.
What Happened To Mad Sandhu In Amritsar?
The shooting took place at around 6 pm on Loharka Road, according to police. Sandhu had reportedly given his car for washing when two unidentified men on a motorcycle opened fire. He suffered multiple bullet injuries and was being taken to a private hospital when he died. Police have said they have “solid leads” and are working to identify and arrest those responsible.
A video showing the aftermath of the shooting has also circulated online. Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the killing and have not yet confirmed a motive.
