Diljit Dosanjh Says He ‘Studied Chamkila Like a Student’ in New Documentary

In a candid, confessional-style documentary, global superstar Diljit Dosanjh shared his personal experiences playing the role of Amar Singh Chamkila in the eponymous film. The Imtiaz Ali directorial, which was scored by A.R Rahman, was nominated for two categories at the 53rd International Emmys: “Best TV Movie/Mini-Series Category” and “Best Performance by an Actor.”  

The fifteen-minute bilingual video, produced by Netflix, highlights lesser-known trivia, including how the film’s climax was shot at the very spot where the artist was killed, while also exploring Dosanjh’s soulful connection with the late folk singer. Calm and composed, the Punjabi singer, songwriter, and actor patiently emphasized the cultural gravitas of having a film like Amar Singh Chamkila gain such widespread global recognition. “I have not come for Diljit Dosanjh’s validation. I’ve come here only for Chamkila,” he humbly stated. 

Dissecting the biopic’s trailer launch, Dosanjh mentioned how he’d never seen the final cut himself. Already high-strung, the artist explained how it wasn’t the director’s praise or audience reception, but a screen grab from the clip that moved him. Expanding on this surreal experience, Dosanjh tearfully described how the standalone scene, which had Chamkila’s character turning to the camera and smiling, made him feel seen by the late folk singer himself. 

To him, Chamkila was always an omnipresent force in his life, even before his days of fame. Speaking about his own journey of struggling to combine both village and city dialects, Dosanjh mentioned how immersing himself in the late singer’s works, right from the cadence to the free-flowing enunciation, helped him find his own, authentic voice along the way. “I studied Chamkila like a student.” Pointing out their sonic similarities, Dosanjh brought to light how they were both united by an undying love for their respective crafts, stating, “Chamkila was a hundred times better artist than I am. The only similarity is that he loved art, and I love art.”

Not one to be deterred by the fear of pressure and Punjabi audience reception, Dosanjh said he strives to stay away from the patterns, preconceived notions, and stereotypes slapped upon by the industry. “I don’t care about my image, I don’t care about anybody. I love music and art,” he calmly added. 

Nearing the end, Dosanjh reiterated the influence of films like Chamkila in spotlighting cultural musical icons to the global mainstage. “When we made the film, we did not make it for an Emmy; we made it for Chamkila. A folk artist from a village, Dugri Village, is being discussed at the Emmys today. Parting on an equally sentimental note, Dosanjh added: “It felt like a personal story.”