Who was Amar Singh Chamkila? The Punjabi folk legend that Diljit Dosanjh played on-screen

Who was Amar Singh Chamkila? The Punjabi folk legend that Diljit Dosanjh played on-screen

Diljit Dosanjh has earned his first-ever International Emmy nomination, marking a milestone not just in his career but also for Punjabi cinema on the global stage. The recognition comes for his riveting performance as Amar Singh Chamkila in Imtiaz Ali’s acclaimed Netflix biopic, Amar Singh Chamkila.

Released earlier this year, the film explored the meteoric rise and tragic end of Chamkila, the 1980s Punjabi folk singer whose raw lyrics and fearless themes made him both a household name and a divisive figure.

Who was Amar Singh Chamkila?

Chamkila, often described as the “Elvis of Punjab,” drew crowds in thousands with his music but also attracted criticism for songs that touched on taboo subjects like extra-marital affairs, alcohol, and social hypocrisy. His life was cut short in 1988 when he and his wife, fellow singer Amarjot Kaur, were assassinated by unidentified gunmen, a mystery that remains unsolved.

Dosanjh’s performance in the film was widely praised for its authenticity and emotional depth. Known for his music and comic timing in films, the actor-singer surprised audiences by fully immersing himself in Chamkila’s world—mastering his mannerisms, on-stage charisma, and turbulent inner life. Paired with Parineeti Chopra as Amarjot Kaur, the film struck a delicate balance between capturing the duo’s musical magic and the darker realities of their fame.

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For Dosanjh, this nomination represents more than individual recognition. It signals a growing global appetite for stories rooted in regional India, told with honesty and cinematic flair. Imtiaz Ali’s direction, coupled with A.R. Rahman’s evocative music, ensured the biopic resonated far beyond Punjabi audiences, making it one of Netflix’s most-watched Indian originals this year.

As Dosanjh competes in the International Emmy race, the nomination itself stands as a victory—cementing his place as a crossover artist who has taken Punjabi identity to global platforms. It also shines a light on Chamkila’s enduring legacy, ensuring that his controversial yet unforgettable voice continues to be heard by new generations across the world.