Mumbai: Following the international recognition of Amar Singh Chamkila at the 2025 International Emmy Awards, actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh has expressed heartfelt gratitude to the film’s director Imtiaz Ali, calling him the driving force behind the project’s global acclaim.
Dosanjh, who received a nomination in the Best Performance by an Actor category for his portrayal of Punjab’s iconic folk singer, shared his reaction on Instagram, writing: “It’s all because of @imtiazaliofficial Sir,”
The acknowledgment comes as the film also secured a second nomination in the Best TV Movie/Mini-Series category, making it a landmark moment for the Indian team behind the Netflix release.
Parineeti Chopra Joins the Celebration
Co-star Parineeti Chopra, who plays Amarjot Kaur—Chamkila’s wife and musical partner—also shared her excitement online.
“WOOOHOOOO! Proud of my Team Chamkila!” she wrote, reacting to the double nomination.
Parineeti’s performance was also widely appreciated for its emotional nuance and strong chemistry with Dosanjh on screen.
A Biopic That Struck a Global Chord
Directed by Imtiaz Ali, Amar Singh Chamkila premiered on Netflix in April 2024 and tells the story of the controversial and influential singer whose raw lyrics and electrifying performances captivated Punjab in the 1980s. Chamkila, often referred to as the “Elvis of Punjab,” was a bold voice in folk music until he and his wife were assassinated in 1988, both just 27 years old.
Dosanjh’s intense and layered portrayal of the legendary singer has earned him a place among some of the world’s finest actors at this year’s Emmys. He will compete against:
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David Mitchell for Ludwig
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Oriol Pla for Yo, Adicto (I, Addict)
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Diego Vasquez for One Hundred Years of Solitude
Craft and Collaboration Behind the Success
The film’s script was co-written by Imtiaz Ali and Sajid Ali, with a strong focus on real-life events and emotional authenticity. One of the highlights was the decision to record the film’s music live, adding a raw and immersive feel to the narrative. The soundtrack, grounded in traditional Punjabi folk, has since gained a life of its own.
Industry insiders have praised Dosanjh not just for his performance but also for embracing the character with a musician’s soul—an edge he brought as a seasoned performer himself.
A Big Win for Indian Storytelling
Amar Singh Chamkila adds to a growing list of Indian productions finding recognition on global platforms. The dual Emmy nod follows in the footsteps of earlier Indian wins, such as Delhi Crime’s historic Best Drama win in 2020 and Vir Das’s Emmy for Best Comedy in 2021.
The 53rd International Emmy Awards ceremony is set to take place in New York City on November 24, where winners from across the world will be announced.
Whether or not the film takes home the trophy, its nominations alone have already placed Indian storytelling—and Punjab’s folk legacy—on a global pedestal.
