A recently resurfaced interview with a friend of the late Punjabi singer Amar Singh Chamkila has shed light on a surprising connection Chamkila almost had with Bollywood. Sawarn Sivia, Chamkila’s close friend, revealed in the interview that iconic actress Sridevi, a self-proclaimed fan of Chamkila, once expressed interest in working with him on a film project.
This revelation comes amidst the recent release of “Amar Singh Chamkila,” a biopic directed by Imtiaz Ali and starring Diljit Dosanjh as Chamkila. The film, which debuted on Netflix on April 12, 2024, has garnered positive reviews for its portrayal of Chamkila’s rise to fame and his struggles with success.
According to India Today, Sivia recounted Sridevi’s admiration for Chamkila and her desire to collaborate with him. Sridevi, reportedly impressed by Chamkila ‘s performances, approaches him with the propositions. However, the collaboration never materialized due to a language barrier.
Sivia stated that Chamkila declined Sridevi’s initial offer due to his limited Hindi proficiency. Sridevi, determined to make the project work, reportedly offered Chamkila a month of language training. Chamkila, however, was hesitant as it would mean sacrificing potential income from performances during that period.
The interview suggests that Sridevi, in an attempt to salvage the collaboration, even proposed a Punjabi film project. Unfortunately, for reasons unknown, this alternative Sridevi-Chamkila collaboration unrealized.
Born as Dhanni Ram, Chamkila rose to prominence in Punjab with his unique and often controversial music. Earning the nickname “Elvis of Punjab,” Chamkila’s music challenged societal norms and resonated with a large audience. Tragically, Chamkila, his wife Amarjot, and two other members of their group were assassinated in March 1988. The case surrounding their murders remains unsolved.
The release of “Amar Singh Chamkila” has reignited interest in Chamkila’s life and legacy Diljit Dosanjh’s performance as Chamkila has been met with critical acclaim, with reviewers praising his ability to capture the singer’s charisma and complexities. The film, featuring music composed by A.R. Rahman, delves into Chamkila’s journey, exploring his rise to stardom, his struggles, and his untimely demise.
While the Sridevi-Chamkila collaboration never came to be, the recent biopic serves as a testament to Chamkila’s enduring influence. “Amar Singh Chamkila” offers a glimpse into the life of a revolutionary musician whose voice continues to resonate with audiences decades after his passing.
‘Amar Singh Chamkila’ stands as a tribute to the enduring influence of this revolutionary musician. The film offers a glimpse into the life and struggles of a man who dared to be different, whose voice continues to resonate with the audience decades after his passing, The unearthed interview with Sivia adds another layer to Chamkila’s story, reminding us of the missed connection and unrealized possibilities that sometimes lie hidden within the larger narrative of artistic expression.
