Diljit Dosanjh shines in Imtiaz Ali’s Amar Singh Chamkila, writes Shanku Sharma

//Shanku Sharma//

Biopics are challenging since it demand accuracy, correctness and authenticity. Stepping into the shoes of the protagonist of a biopic and delivering a stellar performance are equally challenging. The talented Imtiaz Ali’s biographical drama, Amar Singh Chamkila, which released on April 8 and premiered on Netflix on April 12, is a brilliant biopic on the great Punjabi singer, musician and composer Amar Singh Chamkila. Regarded as one of the greatest and most influential Punjabi artists and live stage performers, Chamkila and his wife Amarjot were killed on March 8, 1988, in an assassination which remains unresolved.

The film, Amar Singh Chamkila, stars the brilliant Diljit Dosanjh and Parineeti Chopra. In the vibrant tapestry of Imtiaz Ali’s Chamkila, there is also a melodic thread woven by an incredibly talented actor — Diljit Dosanjh. While Diljit has dazzled audiences with their acting prowess, their (Diljit and Parineeti) collaboration on this film ventures into uncharted territory: lending their voices to some soul-stirring songs that breathe life into the enigmatic tale of Amar Singh Chamkila.

Dosanjh, known for his magnetic screen presence and Punjabi music career, steps into the shoes of Chamkila, capturing the essence of the rebellious singer with his rugged charm and soulful voice. It is a role that demands not just acting talent but a deep understanding of the Punjabi folk music tradition—a challenge Dosanjh embraces with gusto.

Parineeti Chopra, on the other hand, surprises audiences with her vocal prowess as she portrays Amarjot Kaur, Chamkila’s steadfast wife. Known primarily for her acting skills, Chopra’s foray into singing adds another layer of authenticity to her portrayal of a woman who stood by her husband through thick and thin.

Together, Dosanjh and Chopra breathe life into Chamkila and Amarjot’s tumultuous journey through fifteen songs that serve as the heartbeat of the film. Their voices resonate with raw emotion, capturing the essence of Chamkila’s defiance and passion.

Their collaboration isn’t just about singing; it’s about embodying the spirit of Chamkila and Amarjot, delving deep into their psyche to convey the joys, sorrows, and unyielding spirit that defined their lives. It is a testament to their dedication to the craft and their willingness to push boundaries in pursuit of authenticity.

Under the guidance of music maestro A. R. Rahman, Dosanjh and Chopra deliver performances that transcend mere musicality. Rahman’s haunting melodies provide the perfect backdrop for their emotive vocals, weaving a tapestry of sound that elevates the film to a transcendent realm of storytelling.

For Dosanjh and Chopra, this journey is not just about showcasing their singing abilities; it’s about paying homage to a cultural icon and bringing his legacy to a new generation. Their voices echo not just through the film but through the annals of Punjabi folk music history, ensuring that the spirit of Chamkila and Amarjot continues to inspire for generations to come.

As Amar Singh Chamkila has already premiered on Netflix, audiences around the world will bear witness to the soul-stirring performances of Diljit Dosanjh and Parineeti Chopra, forever immortalising their contribution to the cinematic landscape and the rich tapestry of Punjabi culture.