Amar Singh Chamkila: Lesser-Known Facts About The 'Elvis Presley of Punjab'

Chamkila is set to release on Netflix on April 12. (Photo Credits: Instagram)

Imtiaz Ali has returned to the director’s chair with his latest film, Chamkila, featuring Diljit Dosanjh in the titular role. Diljit plays renowned Punjabi singer, Amar Singh Chamkila, and Parineeti Chopra portrays his partner, Amarjot Kaur. Chamkila and Amarjot, along with two of their band members, had tragically met their end at the young age of 27 when they were gunned down in 1988, abruptly halting Chamkila’s soaring career. The trailer of the film, released on Thursday, has added to the excitement about this movie and the real-life man this film is based on.

Amar Singh Chamkila, born on July 21, 1960, discovered his passion for singing at a young age. While working in a cloth mill, he began writing songs, eventually recording and performing them. His breakthrough came with the widely acclaimed song Takue Te Takua, propelling him to fame in the villages of Punjab, where he adopted the stage name Chamkila.

Collaborating with various female singers, Chamkila found a successful partnership with Amarjot Kaur, producing several popular duets. The duo got married in 1983.

Over time, Chamkila’s popularity skyrocketed, earning him the nickname ‘Elvis Presley of Punjab.’ According to his biography, titled Awaz Mardi Nahin by author Gulzar Singh Shaunki, Chamkila’s demand was so high that he once performed an astonishing 366 shows in just 365 days.

Unfortunately, Chamkila’s life came to an end when he and his wife Amarjot were gunned down in Mehsampur, Punjab, as they were preparing to perform. The assailants, who arrived on bikes, swiftly fled the scene, and the case reportedly remains unresolved to this day.

Known for his bold lyrics touching on societal themes such as extra-marital relationships, coming-of-age, alcoholism, drug abuse and the lifestyle of Punjabi men, Chamkila produced numerous hits, including Pehle Lalkare Naal, Baba Tera Nankana, and Talwar Main Kalgidhar Di. His albums, such as the 1980 release Jija Lak Minle and the 1981 album Hikk Utte So Ja Ve, featured several chart-topping songs.

Netflix released the official trailer for Chamkila on March 28.

The film is set to release on Netflix on April 12 this year. Adding to the audience’s excitement is the fact that in this film, Diljit Dosanjh will be seen without his turban for the first time ever on screen.

Imtiaz Ali’s portrayal of Chamkila’s life and legacy, coupled with Diljit Dosanjh’s performance, seems promising and aims to hook audiences with the timeless tale of this legendary Punjabi artist in the upcoming film.