For his role as Amar Singh Chamkila in the Netflix movie, Diljit Dosanjh has been nominated for an International Emmy Award 2025 Best Performance by an Actor.
Amar Singh Chamkila, a film directed by Imtiaz Ali, has been nominated for two of the coveted International Emmy Awards 2025. Diljit Dosanjh, who brought the iconic singer to life on screen, is nominated for Best Performance by an Actor, while the biographical drama is nominated for best “TV Movie/Mini Series.”
The movie tells the story of the late Punjabi musician Amar Singh Chamkila, who became well-known for his unusual vocals and thought-provoking lyrics. Let’s take a look at the life of the iconic musician Amar Singh Chamkila, who made a lasting impact on Punjabi music, as the Netflix film now vies for the coveted Emmy.
An Early Life of Amar Singh Chamkila
Dhani Ram was born on July 1, 1960, into a Dalit Sikh family in the Dugri village of Ludhiana. Growing up in poverty, he had to overcome numerous obstacles. He provided for his family by working as a laborer in a factory. He followed his love of music in spite of the challenges. He began playing the harmonium and tumbi in acting groups when he was sixteen years old.
The Music Scene Breakthrough of Amar Singh Chamkila
A few years later, he made contact with the renowned Punjabi folk singer Surinder Shinda. He collaborated with Dhani Ram, who helped Surinder with stage setups and even wrote lyrics. When Surinder was touring alone in Canada in the 1980s, the life of the inexperienced musician took a drastic turn. Dhani Ram recorded four tracks in India while working with Surinder Sonia, Surinder’s singing partner. Dhani Ram became well-known as Amar Singh Chamkila after they published their album Takue Te Takua Khadke. The rest is history.
The pair’s status in the music industry was further cemented when they launched another album, Bapu Sada Gum Ho Gaya. People wanted to see them play at weddings and other gatherings since their music and style were so popular. Chamkila and Surinder Sonia split up despite their success because of compensation disparities. Chamkila would only receive Rs 200 for her performances, whilst the female vocalist received Rs 600.
The Stunt of Amar Singh Chamkila With Amarjot Kaur
After the breakup, Chamkila looked for a new singing partner and quickly came across Amarjot Kaur, whom he eventually married. Her partnership with Kuldeep Manek made her a rising star. The hit song Pahile Lalkare Naal Main Darr Gayi was featured on the duo’s debut album, Bhul Gayi Main Ghund Kadna. They became superstars as a result of their collaboration.
Songs that Chamkila penned about alcohol, drugs, and extramarital affairs were popular both in Punjab and outside. He received more international gigs than any other singer at one time in his career. But many people did not enjoy his tunes. He soon encountered hostility and resentment for marrying Amarjot Kaur in addition to his career decisions.
Killing of Amar Singh Chamkila
Chamkila and Amarjot were slain on May 8, 1988, while traveling to Mehsampur, Punjab, to perform. They were immediately killed when unknown attackers on motorcycles opened fire on them. They also lost two bandmates to death. No one has been apprehended for the couple’s murders to date, and the identity of the assassin is unknown.
