Born Dhanni Ram in 1960 into a Dalit Sikh family, Amar Singh Chamkila found such unprecedented fame amongst the masses in Punjab that he earned the tag ‘Elvis of Punjab’. His legacy also inspired Diljit Dosanjh and Parineeti Chopra’s latest film Amar Singh Chamkila on Netflix. The movie delves into Chamkila’s career, the reaction to his music, and his relationship with his wife Amarjot among other things.
While a lot about Chamkila’s life is publicised, here are some lesser-known facts about the singer. For instance, did you know that superstar Sridevi wanted them to work on a film together but Chamkila rejected the offer because he ‘couldn’t speak Hindi’ fluently? Or that two of Chamkila’s children have also pursued careers in music?
Amar Singh Chamkila, who was known and criticised for his provocative lyrics, would often also sing about the issues that plagued Punjab, alcoholism, and substance abuse among other things. Chamkila and Amarjot’s devotional song ‘Baba Tera Nankana’ even touches upon the grief of the Partition.
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Editor: Arnab Chakravorty
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