Chamkila’s global echo...

Filmmaker Imtiaz Ali has described the International Emmy nominations for Amar Singh Chamkila as a blessing and a reminder that deeply local stories can resonate with audiences around the world.

Based on the life of slain Punjabi musician Amar Singh Chamkila, the film has earned two nominations: one in the TV Movie/Mini-Series category, and another for Best Performance by an Actor, recognising lead star Diljit Dosanjh.

Ali said he was proud that the film, which premiered on Netflix in 2024 to critical acclaim, had brought India into the global spotlight alongside international heavyweights.

“We had just come back from dinner when we got the news... It’s like a blessing that has come through with the story of Chamkila to us. Very happy that this film is finding a voice and is being seen,” Ali said. “We are very proud that we could bring India to this table where so many international stalwarts are standing.”

Best known for modern romantic dramas such as Jab We Met, Love Aaj Kal, Highway, and Tamasha, the 54-year-old director said the recognition reinforced the idea that global acclaim stems from cultural authenticity.

“You shouldn’t try to speak in a language that is international — because there is no such language,” he said. “You should just speak in the language that is native to you in terms of cinema. That’s a big learning. It feels awesome that this film is so rooted, so placed in Punjab, and was made with the love we received from the people of Punjab.”

Set in the turbulent 1980s, during a period of militancy in Punjab, Amar Singh Chamkila explores the life and music of the controversial singer who was gunned down in 1988 alongside his wife Amarjot. Despite — or perhaps because of — its provocative, risqué lyrics, Chamkila’s music was wildly popular.

Ali praised Dosanjh’s performance for its authenticity, saying the singer-actor shed his superstar persona entirely to embody Chamkila on stage and screen.

“It’s incredible that not even for a moment did Diljit remember who he was when performing in those small Punjabi villages,” he said. “He thought he was Chamkila. When people watch the film, they see Diljit, but never think of him as the global performer he is — someone who fills stadiums in Canada.”

Ali recalled asking Dosanjh, “Do you remember that you’re a concert singer yourself?” to which the he replied, “Oh, I never thought that I could also do this in my life.”

“That’s the quality of presence he had,” said Ali. “It’s impossible to conceive of this film without Diljit playing Chamkila. We didn’t even pitch-correct. Artistically, it wasn’t possible to cast someone who’s not a singer.”

Ali confirmed he and Dosanjh are already collaborating on another currently untitled feature project, which is presently in production.

While Punjab has often served as a cinematic backdrop, Ali has been widely praised for capturing its most volatile era with rare authenticity — and for telling a story that challenges social norms through music.

The film’s soundtrack, created by Oscar-winning composer AR Rahman and lyricist Irshad Kamil, has also been lauded for its powerful and soulful compositions, including Ishq Mitaye, Baaja, and Vida Karo.

“The feeling I had while shooting in Punjab — or even just discovering what the land and texture is — was like ‘earthing’. I felt close to the land, to the country. And that somehow got transmitted through the film,” Ali said.

The director also credited Netflix with making Amar Singh Chamkila possible, revealing that the project initially faced numerous hurdles ranging from logistical issues to resource constraints.

“The moment Netflix came into Chamkila, all the problems disappeared,” he said. “It was a wonderful experience to be backed so thoroughly and lovingly by Monika Shergill and the entire team.