The cinematic portrayal of the legendary Punjabi folk singer Amar Singh Chamkila in Imtiaz Ali’s latest film starring Diljit Dosanjh has captivated audiences, shedding light on Chamkila’s meteoric rise in the music industry and his untimely demise. Among the film’s cast, Anjum Batra’s portrayal of Kesar Singh Tikki, Chamkila’s close friend and fellow musician, has specifically stood out and garnered personal acclaim from Tikki’s own family.
Anjum Batra, whose previous works include notable appearances in the film 83 (2021) and the television series Crime Patrol, took a significant leap in his career with this role. The transformation required for Batra to become Tikki was not just physical, involving considerable weight gain, but also emotional, as he delved deep into the persona of the late musician. Batra expressed, “Before the film started, the preparations were quite intense—from gaining the look to understanding Tikki’s inner world. Imtiaz sir had personally met with Tikki ji and had insights that were invaluable in crafting my performance.”
The biopic not only explores the vibrant career of Chamkila and his wife Amarjot Kaur but also delves into their tragic end, which left a lasting impression on their peers, including Tikki, who believed his curse had led to Chamkila’s untimely death. This poignant aspect of the story struck a chord with Batra, highlighting the weight and responsibility entrusted upon him to deliver a performance that was authentic and respectful to the memories of the individuals portrayed.
Batra’s dedication did not go unnoticed, especially by Tikki’s daughter, who reached out to him with words that deeply moved the actor. “Tikki passed away in January 2024, and sadly, I never met him during the film’s making. Yet, three days after watching the film, Tikki’s daughter texted me saying, ‘You look just like my dad.’ That was perhaps the most significant acknowledgment I could have received,” Batra shared. Further cementing this bond, Tikki’s family extended an invitation to their home in Ludhiana, planning a personal meeting and sharing old memories and photographs of Tikki and Chamkila.
The film, highly praised by critics and audiences alike, has been a redeeming project for Batra in 2024, following his other successful project, Maamla Legal Hai. “This year has been a significant one. The journey of an actor is filled with trials and seeking validation. It’s been nearly 15 years, and to finally receive such recognition is incredibly fulfilling,” Batra reflects.
Working alongside star Diljit Dosanjh, also known as ‘mazedaar’ (fun-loving) by his peers, was a highlight for Batra during the shoots. Dosanjh’s portrayal of Chamkila and his chemistry with Batra brought an additional layer of authenticity and enjoyment to the production process, enhancing the overall dynamic of the historical drama.
The biopic ends on a reflective note, touching on themes of fame, betrayal, and the inevitable downfalls that so often accompany public figures. Imtiaz Ali’s direction provides a canvas that allows the actors to delve into complex characters, making the film not just a memoir of a music legend, but also a commentary on the human experiences that resonate with many.
For Anjum Batra, the experience has been more than just another role. It was an opportunity to honor a figure in Punjabi music, connect with his surviving family members, and bring to the forefront a narrative that had lingered in the shadows of history. As Batra prepares to visit Tikki’s family in Ludhiana, it will undoubtedly be a moment of reflection and connection, bridging the past with the present through the powerful medium of cinema.
