The Indian music landscape has been buzzing with the news of the latest album to hit the scene, encapsulating the rich legacy of Punjab’s legendary musician, Amar Singh Chamkila. The much-awaited film about his life, directed by Imtiaz Ali, will not open its curtains until April 12th on Netflix, but the melodies that shaped his world are being shared with fans ahead of time.
Bringing Chamkila’s intense life story to an eager audience, the album features six original Hindi songs, all composed by the Oscar-winning maestro, AR Rahman, and penned by the masterful Irshad Kamil. The decision to pre-release the album on audio streaming apps and the Saregama Music YouTube channel garnered instant acclaim, driven by a wave of popular demand that surged after a memorable trailer launch event presented by Netflix in Mumbai.
The celebration of Chamkila’s story was marked by sparkling performances, including AR Rahman teaming up with Kailash Kher for a live rendition of ‘Bol Mohabbat’ and Yashika Sikka delivering her rendition of ‘Tu Kya Jaane.’ Audiences were further entranced by a group of female dancers who performed to the tunes of ‘Naram Kaalja.’ The event’s viral success prompted Saregama, the music label behind the film, to release the album sooner than initially planned.
Each track on the ‘Amar Singh Chamkila’ album resonates with the spirit of the artist and the period he epitomized. The evocative ‘Baaja’ features the vocal talents of Mohit Chauhan, Romy, Suryansh, and Interpreet Singh, while ‘Naram Kaalja’ combines the voices of Alka Yagnik, Yashika Sikka, Richa Sharma, and Pooja Tiwari. Arijit Singh and Jonita Gandhi bring to life ‘Vida Karo,’ with Mohit Chauhan returning for ‘Ishq Mitaaye.’ Completing the sonic journey, the title track ‘Bol Mohabbat’ stands as a testament to the collaborative power of Rahman and Kher.
The film aims to capture not just Amar Singh Chamkila’s unparalleled contributions to Punjabi music, but his daring ascent from the depths of poverty to becoming the top-selling record artist of his era during the 1980s. His music, resonating with passion and rebellion, eventually drew the ire of many, culminating in his untimely death at the age of 27.
After a period of nine years, the reunion of Rahman, Ali, and Kamil aims to recreate the musical alchemy that has previously left audiences spellbound. The early release of songs ‘Ishq Mitaye’ and ‘Naram Kaalja’ has already set the tone, dominating music charts across various platforms.
Adding another layer of authenticity to the film’s musical journey, Diljit Dosanjh and Parineeti Chopra have vocally contributed to the Punjabi originals, capturing the essence of Chamkila’s craft. This film marks a groundbreaking endeavor to incorporate live music recordings on location, thereby preserving the raw energy and zeal of Amar Singh’s live performances as replicated by the actors.
The album and upcoming film are a collaborative effort, produced by Mohit Choudhary, Select Media Holdings LLP, Saregama, and Window Seat Films, with the music, like Chamkila’s enduring legacy, being a Saregama property.
As anticipation builds for the film’s Netflix premiere in April, the release of this alluring album invites enthusiasts and newcomers alike to delve into the rhythm and rhyme of Amar Singh Chamkila – a man whose music continues to resonate with the heartbeat of Punjab and beyond. With songs crafted by some of the most prominent figures in Indian music, it’s expected that the album will not only pay homage to a departed icon but also reign over the music charts for an extended time, just as Chamkila’s own work did decades ago.
