Filmmaker Imtiaz Ali and actor-musician Diljit Dosanjh are elated as their critically acclaimed film, Amar Singh Chamkila, has garnered two significant International Emmy Award nominations. They both see this recognition as a powerful salute to Punjab and its incredible artists.
The Netflix original film, which vividly portrays the life and tragic end of the legendary Punjabi musician Amar Singh Chamkila, is nominated in the TV Movie/Mini-Series category. Adding to the excitement, Diljit Dosanjh has personally received a nomination for Best Performance by an Actor for his captivating portrayal of Chamkila.
The International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences announced these prestigious nominations in New York, highlighting Amar Singh Chamkila as India’s sole entry in this year’s awards.
Imtiaz Ali reflected on the film’s profound connection to its roots, stating, “Amar Singh Chamkila is a truly unique film, deeply embedded in the essence of Punjab – its rich music, its complex socio-political landscape, its conflicts, aspirations, and many challenges. The story artfully demonstrates how conflict can inspire art, and how that art, in turn, can sometimes ignite new conflicts, all through the extraordinary life of Amar Singh Chamkila. We are incredibly proud to have brought the poignant narrative of Chamkila and Amarjot to a global audience, as their journey beautifully encapsulates the spirit of Punjab.”
The 53rd International Emmy Awards gala is scheduled to take place in New York City on November 24. Amar Singh Chamkila will compete for the TV Movie/Mini-Series award against formidable international productions such as Herrhausen: The Banker and the Bomb (Germany), Lost Boys & Fairies (United Kingdom), and Vencer o Morir (Chile).
Ali, 54, extended his heartfelt congratulations to the entire film team, particularly emphasizing that the project would not have been possible without Diljit Dosanjh’s phenomenal contribution. “I want to congratulate the team for these nominations, and a special double congratulations to Diljit Dosanjh because he’s also nominated in the Best Actor category for this film,” he added. “Not for a moment on the set was he anything but Chamkila. It was a wonderful, authentic, grass-roots experience shooting Amar Singh Chamkila in Punjab.”
Diljit Dosanjh, 41, whose performance as Chamkila (the artist who was tragically gunned down at the age of 27 in 1988 alongside his wife, Amarjot) has garnered widespread critical acclaim, expressed that this honor is a profound tribute to the late musician’s enduring legacy. “I am deeply honored that Amar Singh Chamkila, a story about an artist from Punjab, is receiving global recognition on such a distinguished platform as the International Emmys. I am immensely grateful to Imtiaz Ali sir for entrusting me with this significant role,” he remarked.
In the highly competitive Best Actor category, Dosanjh will vie for the award against accomplished international actors: David Mitchell for Ludwig (United Kingdom), Oriol Pla for Yo, adicto (Spain), and Diego Vasquez for One Hundred Years of Solitude (Colombia).
The film, produced by Mohit Choudhary, Select Media Holdings LLP, Saregama, and Window Seat Films, also featured Parineeti Chopra in a pivotal role. The soulful musical score was composed by the legendary A. R. Rahman, with captivating lyrics penned by Irshad Kamil.
India has previously seen success at the International Emmys, with the Netflix series Delhi Crime securing the Best Drama award in 2020, and comedian Vir Das earning the Best Comedy trophy in 2021 for his Netflix special, Vir Das: Landing.