Diljit channels Chamkila’s vibe
In the forthcoming film “Amar Singh Chamkila,” actor Diljit Dosanjh delves deep into the character of the iconic folk singer, who met a tragic end at the age of 27. Dosanjh’s commitment to his role goes beyond mere performance; he recently revealed an intense experience on set, where he felt the presence of Chamkila’s energy.
During an interview with Ranveer Allahbadia, Dosanjh disclosed that they filmed a crucial scene at the exact location where Amar Singh Chamkila was fatally shot in real life. Recounting the moment, Dosanjh expressed, “I could feel Chamkila’s energy 100 percent on the set. We shot at the same place where Chamkila was killed. In the same place, Imtiaz sir shot that scene. Exactly at that point where he fell down after he was shot.”
Dosanjh’s immersion into the role was further heightened during the filming of a pivotal scene. Holding a tumbi—a traditional Punjabi musical instrument—in his hand, Dosanjh experienced an eerie connection. He explained, “When I fell, the tumbi’s wire pricked my hand. And when I was falling, I could see my hand and drops of blood falling on the ground. I suddenly realised that this is the same spot where Chamkila’s blood must have also fallen.”
Director Imtiaz Ali also lauded Dosanjh’s performance during the trailer launch event, expressing how Dosanjh’s embodiment of Chamkila was so convincing that even he momentarily forgot the actor’s identity. “He thought he was Chamkila and because of that, even I didn’t realise that he is Diljit Dosanjh. He was just Chamkila. Everyone on set felt the same, that this is unfolding in real time. Diljit wasn’t there,” remarked Ali.
“Amar Singh Chamkila” narrates the captivating yet tragic tale of Punjab’s original pop star, Amar Singh Chamkila, who rose from poverty to become a beloved musical icon in the 1980s. The film, set to premiere on April 12 on Netflix, promises to offer viewers a poignant insight into the life of a legendary figure whose legacy continues to resonate.
