A silhouetted figure casts a long shadow over the vibrant fields of Punjab, a shadow that still looms large over the music scene decades after his untimely demise. Enter the world of Amar Singh Chamkila, Punjab’s original rockstar, whose life was a medley of bold lyrics, electrifying performances, and a finale that no one had scripted—an assassination that shook the very foundation of the indigenous music fraternity. Today, his tale is ready to be told in the language he knew best—music and drama. The much-anticipated biopic, ‘Amar Singh Chamkila’, helmed by renowned filmmaker Imtiaz Ali and starring acclaimed actors Diljit Dosanjh and Parineeti Chopra, is set to premiere exclusively on Netflix on May 12.
The story of Chamkila, the legendary singer who was the top-selling artist of his time, is one of triumph and tragedy. Born on July 21, 1960, into a Dalit Sikh family, Amar Singh Chamkila’s initial ambitions to become an electrician were set aside as fate had other plans for him. Working at a cloth mill in Ludhiana, his innate musical talent was undeniable as he deftly played the harmonium and dholki, which eventually caught the attention of the acclaimed singer Surinder Shinda.
Shinda took Chamkila under his wing, and the young protégé soon started writing songs for him. Before long, Chamkila broke free from the entourage, carving out a solo career that would see him become the voice of the common man and the glittering star of Punjab—which is fitting as ‘Chamkila’ translates to ‘one that glitters’. Despite initial resistance, the name stuck, and Chamkila became a brand synonymous with striking a chord with the masses. His duets with Surinder Sonia in the album ‘Takue Te Takua’ skyrocketed him to fame.
His lyrics, unapologetically provocative, not only entertained but also held a mirror to the society of the time, touching on subjects like alcohol, drugs, and extramarital affairs. While his words resonated with many, they also incited the ire of some, making him a figure of controversy in a socially conservative milieu.
Tragedy struck on March 8, 1988. Following a performance in Mehsampur, Punjab, Chamkila and his wife Amarjot, along with other members of their party, fell victim to a brutal attack. In broad daylight, at 2 pm, a group of motorcyclists unleashed a hail of bullets on them, ending the lives of this iconic couple. The assailants were never identified as no arrests were made, leaving the case unsolved and shrouded in mystery. Though allegations pointed towards Sikh militants, those close to Chamkila, like his friend and lyricist Swarn Sivia, dismiss these claims, citing their own inconclusive investigations.
Creating a cinematic homage to such a vibrant yet tragic figure has been an exercise in delicacy and power. Speaking about the project, director Imtiaz Ali remarked on the worldwide phenomenon of young, rebellious musicians who reach dizzying heights of fame only to meet with violent ends. For Ali, ‘Amar Singh Chamkila’ is a celebration of an artist who relentlessly pursued his first love—music. The film aims to raise not just a toast to his life but also to provoke thought on the societal implications of his work and demise.
Produced by Mohit Choudhary along with Select Media Holdings LLP, Saregama, and Window Seat Films, the biopic also features music orchestrated by the legendary A.R. Rahman, showcasing a soundtrack befitting the musical titan at its heart. Available on Saregama, the music stands as a testament to Chamkila’s enduring legacy, ensuring that the echoes of his voice continue to reverberate through the annals of Punjab’s cultural heritage.
As ‘Amar Singh Chamkila’ readies for its Netflix debut, music lovers and cinephiles alike eagerly anticipate the chance to delve into the narrative of the man whose life was as dramatic and vibrant as the songs he left behind. Chamkila’s legend is a reminder that art can sometimes be as volatile and unpredictable as life itself, leaving behind a legacy that challenges, engages, and ultimately, inspires.
