Amar Singh Chamkila was a legendary Punjabi folk singer, songwriter, and composer who became a cultural icon in the 1980s. Born on July 21, 1960, in the village of Dugri near Ludhiana, Punjab, India, he started his musical career at an early age and went on to become one of the most popular and influential Punjabi singers of all time. Chamkila’s music and lyrics were rooted in the traditional folk music of Punjab and had a unique blend of humor, satire, and social commentary.
The beginning
Chamkila’s music career began in the late 1970s when he started performing at local events and fairs in Punjab. He quickly gained popularity for his unique style and soon became a household name in the region. His music was heavily influenced by the rural folk music of Punjab, which he blended with modern instruments and rhythms to create a distinctive sound.
Chamkila’s lyrics were known for their bold and controversial themes, including social issues such as caste, gender, and poverty. He also sang about love, heartbreak, and the struggles of everyday life in Punjab. His music was often criticised for being too explicit and vulgar, but he defended his lyrics by saying that he was simply reflecting the reality of life in Punjab.
The rise
Chamkila’s career peaked in the 1980s when he released several hit albums such as “Pehle Lalkare Naal,” “Babu Chandigarhia Da,” “Mera Jee Karda,” and “Jatt Di Dushmani.” His songs were characterised by their bold and irreverent lyrics that challenged the social norms and taboos of Punjabi society. He sang about love, heartbreak, social issues, and everyday struggles, giving voice to the aspirations and frustrations of the common people. Chamkila’s collaborations with his wife Amarjot were also hugely popular, and their electrifying performances became a hallmark of Punjabi music.
The assassination
Unfortunately, Chamkila’s career was cut short when he was tragically assassinated along with his wife Amarjot Kaur on March 8, 1988. This remains one of the most tragic incidents in the history of Punjabi music. The couple was returning from a performance in Mehsampur, Punjab, when they were ambushed by a group of armed assailants who fired multiple shots at them, killing them on the spot. The killers were never identified, and the motive behind the assassination remains unclear.
The killing of Chamkila and Amarjot sent shockwaves through the Punjabi music industry and the public, who were in disbelief that such a heinous crime could be committed against two beloved artists. The incident led to widespread protests and demands for justice, but the investigation into the case did not yield any concrete results. Over the years, several conspiracy theories have emerged regarding the assassination, but none of them have been proven. Chamkila’s death left a void in the Punjabi music scene that has yet to be filled, and his legacy continues to inspire and entertain millions of fans worldwide.
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The biopics
A court in Ludhiana, Punjab, has recently issued a stay order on the release of the upcoming Punjabi film ‘Jodi Teri Meri’, which is a biopic based on the life of the legendary Punjabi folk singer, Amar Singh Chamkila, and his wife, Amarjot Kaur. The movie, produced by Amberdeep Singh and featuring popular actors Diljit Dosanjh and Nimrat Khaira in lead roles, was scheduled to release on May 5.
This is the second time that a court in Ludhiana has intervened to halt the release of a Chamkila biopic. Previously, the court had stayed the “broadcast, release, and streaming” of another Chamkila biopic, titled ‘Chamkila’. This movie is directed by Imtiaz Ali and features Dosanjh and Parineeti Chopra in lead roles.
