There were doubts about English film Amar Singh Chamkila: Diljit

Actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh on Thursday said he was initially not very confident about playing the role in Imtiaz Ali’s English film Amar Singh Chamkila. He felt that the film’s director would not be able to do justice to the life story of late revolutionary Punjabi singer Chamkila.

The upcoming film will tell the untold true story of Amar Singh Chamkila. Chamkila is called the Elvis Presley of Punjab. Chamkila, considered one of the best stage artistes of Punjab, and his wife, singing partner Amarjot, were murdered in 1988.
In the Netflix film, Dosanjh plays Amar Singh and Parineeti Chopra plays Amarjot.

Dosanjh said that before this Ali had approached him for the film. He was already acting in a Punjabi film called Jodi. The film revolved around the life story of Chamkila and Amarjot. The actor said that unfortunately the film could not be released due to the Corona virus epidemic.

When I came to know that a film on Chamkila is being made in Bollywood (English), I wondered what kind of film they would ultimately make and how much justice they would be able to do. When I got a call from Imtiaz sir, I thought he would sue us because he has the rights (of Chamkila’s story) and we don’t. But he said, I want to sign you for the film.

We already have the story,” Dosanjh said at the Next on Netflix event here. If you still think you want to make a film with me, we’ll see. However, Dosanjh’s perception changed after he heard the script of Ali’s film and he was surprised to know the director’s vision.

I felt I knew a lot about Chamkila before I met her (Ali). When I heard his perspective, it was completely different. It was a great thing for us that his story was being presented with such detail and depth. When Sir made me the offer I had no reason to refuse to accept it.

Dosanjh said that he is happy with the way the music of the film has been composed. I was wondering how they would give the music of the film, but when you have AR Rahman, Mohit Chauhan and Irshad Kamil ji, it is a great thing. Chamkila’s songs are in Punjabi but other songs are also playing. We have original songs of Chamkila.

Dosanjh also praised co-star Chopra for portraying the character of Amarjot well. Then I was wondering who would play the role of Amarjot. But when he said, Parineeti ji… I have heard her songs… but singing like Amarjot is a different thing. And he has done a great job. Amar Singh Chamkila will premiere on Netflix on April 12. It is produced by Mohit Chaudhary, Select Media Holdings LLP, Saregama and Window Seat Films.