Cop who penned Kala Chashma now set to release song book

Amrik Singh Shera, a head constable with the Punjab Police who rose to fame after his song Kala Chashma became a chartbuster in the Katrina Kaif–Sidharth Malhotra starrer Baar Baar Dekho, is now set to release a book of songs titled Virsa Punjab Da.

Shera, a native of Talwandi Chaudhrian village in Kapurthala, began writing at the age of 14. His early creation Kala Chashma, penned in 1990 when he was still a teenager, first gained popularity when Punjabi singer Amar Arshi performed it in England. It was later picked up by a music company and ultimately catapulted to nationwide fame through Bollywood.

Speaking about the inspiration behind his upcoming book, Shera said the idea took root nearly five years ago. “I wanted to give something meaningful to our upcoming generations. These 160 songs are about Punjab’s culture, the issues we face, and our old traditions that many have forgotten,” he shared.

The collection features songs on a range of social concerns, including drug menace, underground water depletion, and environmental issues. Shera noted that his writing process is spontaneous, “It comes naturally to me. I don’t need to sit with a diary. Even a random word in conversation can spark a song.”

His work also includes a tribute to the Punjab Police, with a song titled “Sari duniya to disdi alag bai, khaki vardi nal banni lal pagg bai.” Shera says he hopes to make his village known as well: “I mentioned my village in Kala Chashma and will continue to do so in future songs.”

Expressing gratitude to his seniors, he added, “They have always encouraged me. Whenever I see something wrong in society, I write about it and will continue doing so, whether the songs get released or not.”

The book Virsa Punjab Da will be released soon by the Joint Commissioner, Jalandhar, he said. Amrik Shera also said that two of his new songs are set for release in the coming days.