Netflix’s biographical drama ‘Amar Singh Chamkila,’ directed by Imtiaz Ali, captures the essence of its title in every conceivable way, weaving a narrative that is both intriguing and haunting. The film openly explores the life of Amar Singh Chamkila, an artist celebrated for his entertaining, festive, and provocative work, whose career tragically ended in assassination at the age of 27. The subsequent public speculation pointed fingers at either militants or industry rivals, with his once-mentor and later friend, singer Jatinder Jinda, emerging as a key suspect.
The story traces back to 1979 when Dhanni Ram, known as Amar Singh, at 18, met the established Punjabi folk singer Surinder Shinda. Riding his bicycle, Amar Singh approached Shinda to showcase his musical talents. Surinder Shinda, impressed by his singing, not only mentored him but also made him a band member and collaborator. It was Shinda who first recorded Amar Singh’s original compositions, helping him gain wider recognition and acclaim.
The dynamic changed when Surinder Shinda opted to tour Canada alone, mirroring Jatinder’s solo journey in the film. This decision prompted Amar Singh to embark on a solo career, where he sang about unspoken fantasies and societal taboos. Despite Surinder Shinda’s apparent decline in local show attendance, he reportedly rejoiced in Amar Singh’s rising success, supporting his journey as a fellow Punjabi artist.
Additionally, Surinder Shinda played a pivotal role in fostering the careers of artists like Gill Hardeep and Maninder Shinda, and later established an orchestra company and produced for emerging artists. His commitment to nurturing talent was underscored by harmonium player Mauji Dugriwala’s 2023 statement to Brit Asia Live TV, firmly dismissing any involvement by Shinda in Amar Singh’s assassination on March 8, 1988.
Mauji emphasized that Surinder Shinda’s relationship with Chamkila was akin to that of a father and son, suggesting that despite minor disagreements, no father-like figure would harm his own. Shinda, acclaimed as the ‘Grandfather of MOC (Music on Console)’ within the Punjabi community, led a life marked by clear conscience and remarkable contributions to music.
Surinder Shinda’s illustrious career spanned several decades, beginning in 1959 and culminating in the release of nearly 165 albums, featuring hits such as ‘Jatt Jeona Morh,’ ‘Putt Jattan De,’ ‘Truck Billiya,’ and ‘Kaher Singh Di Mout.’ His enduring impact resulted in numerous sales and several Lifetime Achievement awards until his demise due to multiple organ failure on July 26, 2023.
Meanwhile, News18 gave the film 3.5/5 stars. Our review of the film read, “Diljit delivers a stupendous act as the protagonist. The character of Amar Singh Chamkila is tailor-made for him and he pours his heart out into it. His hard work is palpable and yet his performance is effortless. Watching him become Chamkila and sing his songs will fill your heart up with unadulterated joy. Even in some heavy-weight scenes, he brings a rare restraint to the fore and renders a whole new layer of poise. It, inarguably, is his career-best performance. And somewhere in the middle, you will see him becoming one with Chamkila and very soon, you won’t be able to separate these forces that forever changed the music industry of Punjab.”
The film Amar Singh Chamkila is directed by Imtiaz Ali and is available to be streamed on Netflix.
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