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Diljit Dosanjh has been nominated for the Best Performance by an Actor award for portraying Amar Singh Chamkila in the Netflix film at the International Emmy Awards 2025.
Amar Singh Chamkila rose to popularity for his distinctive singing style and provocative lyrics. (Photo Source: Instagram)
Imtiaz Ali-directed film Amar Singh Chamkila has received not one, but two nominations at the prestigious International Emmy Awards 2025. While the biographical drama has been nominated in the best ‘TV Movie/Mini Series’ category, Diljit Dosanjh, who brought the legendary singer to life on-screen, has been nominated for the Best Performance by an Actor award.
The film chronicles the life of late Punjabi singer Amar Singh Chamkila, who gained popularity for his distinctive singing style and provocative lyrics. As the Netflix movie now competes for the prestigious Emmy, let’s have a look at the life of legendary singer Amar Singh Chamkila, who left an indelible mark on Punjabi music.
Amar Singh Chamkila’s Early Life
Born on July 1, 1960 to a Dalit Sikh family in Ludhiana’s Dugri village, Dhani Ram faced many challenges while growing up in poverty. He worked as a labourer at a factory to support his family. Despite the difficulties, he pursued his passion for music. At the age of 16, he joined drama groups, where he mastered playing the harmonium and tumbi.
Amar Singh Chamkila’s Breakthrough In Music Scene
A few years later, he approached Surinder Shinda, a legendary folk singer from Punjab. Dhani Ram teamed up with him, writing lyrics and even helping Surinder with stage set-ups. The rookie musician’s life took a turn when Surinder was touring in Canada alone in the 1980s. In India, Dhani Ram collaborated with Surinder’s singing partner, Surinder Sonia and recorded four songs. They released their album Takue Te Takua Khadke, which made Dhani Ram famous as Amar Singh Chamkila. And the rest is history.
Soon, the duo released yet another album titled Bapu Sada Gum Ho Gaya, which further solidified their position in the music scene. Their songs and style resonated so much with audiences that it led to a high demand for their performances at weddings and other events. Despite their success, Surinder Sonia and Chamkila parted ways due to differences in their pay. While the female singer received Rs 600 for her performances, Chamkila would get only Rs 200.
Amar Singh Chamkila’s Stint With Amarjot Kaur
Following the split, Chamkila sought a new singing partner and soon met Amarjot Kaur, with whom he later married. She was a rising star due to her collaboration with Kuldeep Manek. Together, the duo released their debut album, Bhul Gayi Main Ghund Kadna, which featured the hit song, Pahile Lalkare Naal Main Darr Gayi. Their partnership catapulted them to superstardom.
Chamkila wrote songs on extra-marital affairs, drugs and drinking, which were liked not only in Punjab but also abroad. At one point in his career, he got more gigs in foreign countries than any other singer. However, his songs did not sit well with many. Soon, he faced anger and hatred not just for his professional choices, but also for marrying Amarjot Kaur.
Amar Singh Chamkila’s Assassination
On May 8, 1988, when Chamkila and Amarjot were on their way to perform in Mehsampur, Punjab, they were assassinated. Unknown assailants on motorcycles shot at them, and they died on the spot. Two of their bandmates were also killed. To date, nobody has been caught for killing the couple, nor does anyone know who was behind the assassination.
Kashvi Raj Singh is a Sub Editor at News18. She extensively covers Bollywood, Hollywood and television. She not only keeps an eye out for interesting news angles but also often writes social commentary in long-…Read More
Kashvi Raj Singh is a Sub Editor at News18. She extensively covers Bollywood, Hollywood and television. She not only keeps an eye out for interesting news angles but also often writes social commentary in long-… Read More
September 26, 2025, 10:39 IST
