In the bustling city of New Delhi, acclaimed filmmaker Imtiaz Ali has undertaken the monumental task of bringing to the screen the life of the legendary Punjabi singer Amar Singh Chamkila, who along with his wife Amarjyot faced a tragic end 36 years ago. The revered artist, assassinated at the tender age of 27, is celebrated in the upcoming biopic simply titled “Chamkila”.
Imtiaz Ali speaks with a compelling reverence for Chamkila, indicating that his intrigue was birthed from the emotional connection that fans still maintain with the late singer’s legacy. The genuine and unwavering admiration expressed by Chamkila’s followers piqued Ali’s interest, propelling him to venture deeply into the singer’s life and times.
Reflecting on his research, Ali discovered Chamkila’s remarkable journey—a tale woven with dramatic vibrancy and profound inspiration. “They spoke about him as if he was their person, their OG of all time,” Ali recounts. Uncovering that Chamkila hailed from a lower caste, with little to no formal education, yet achieving the status of an all-time high record-selling artist, Ali realized how the singer’s grassroots and pure-desi essence resonated deeply with the real India—the India that does not parade in the glitzy limelight of cities or converse fluently in English.
The role of Amar Singh Chamkila is portrayed by Punjab’s darling and a singer with a worldwide acclaim, Diljit Dosanjh. Ali admits that casting Dosanjh was an indisputable decision, although initially, he had reservations about whether he would encompass the essence of Chamkila entirely. Despite looking into other potential actors, it was a meeting with Dosanjh that cemented the decision. Dosanjh professed to be Chamkila’s ultimate fan, boasting an intrinsic understanding of the singer’s dialect and the nuances of Punjabi music, thus solidifying his place in the biopic. “When you watch the film, you realize it could not have been made without Diljit,” Ali asserts.
The 1980s ushered in an era of turmoil for Punjab. Amidst this chaos, Chamkila’s music emerged as a ray of hope—songs pulsating with life and passion. Ali sheds light on Chamkila’s unconventional approach to his art, revealing that despite the harrowing political landscape of the time, Chamkila’s music refrained from engaging with the political discourse. Facing criticism for this choice, Chamkila remained unfazed and steadfast in his mission to provide solace through his music. “He was a man who never saw himself as a star, nor did his popularity impact him,” Ali shared about Chamkila, whose humility captivated the hearts of many.
The striking narrative of Chamkila’s life, reflecting his undiminished humility and dedication amidst fame, will grace the screens on Netflix, premiering on the 12th of April. The biopic not only promises to be a soul-stirring rendition of Chamkila’s life but also a homage to an artist whose music continues to echo through the hearts of many. It stands as a testament to the enduring power of Chamkila’s legacy—a legacy that, through the vision of Imtiaz Ali and the portrayal by Diljit Dosanjh, will undeniably leave an indelible mark on the canvas of Indian cinema.
