Exclusive | Imtiaz Ali Talks About His Take On ‘Amar Singh Chamkila’ And Diljit Dosanjh.

Imtiaz Ali’s latest film, ‘Amar Singh Chamkila,’ has been creating quite a buzz since its release on Netflix. Featuring Diljit Dosanjh and Parineeti Chopra, the movie shares the life of the legendary Punjabi singer, the late Amar Singh Chamkila, and his wife, Amarjot Kaur in the film. In a recent talk show appearance available to watch on IMDB, Imtiaz Ali talks about the making of ‘Amar Singh Chamkila,’ discussing his collaboration with Diljit Dosanjh, Parineeti Chopra, and the talented individuals behind the scenes who brought this story to life. 

Starting the interview when asked if Imtiaz Imtiaz uses his movie characters for his own self-discovery, the writer-director talks about the profound connection between individuals and society, recognizing its intricate layers of love and hate directed towards the same person. This complexity, he suggests, transcends simplistic one-on-one dynamics, offering fertile ground for exploration in both life and art.

In his creative process, Imtiaz finds resonance with characters like Jordan in ‘Rockstar,’ seeing in them a reflection of his own journey of self-discovery. He views self-exploration not as a static destination but as an ongoing voyage, continually shaping and reshaping one’s identity.

Reflecting on the dual nature of fame, Imtiaz recalls childhood observations about the treatment of celebrities like Amitabh Bachchan, weighing the objectification that accompanies fame. This awareness informs his understanding of the challenges faced by those in the public eye.

Furthermore, Imtiaz expresses a fascination with individuals who defy societal norms, recognizing their role in adding depth and complexity to both life and cinema. Despite the hardships they may endure, Imtiaz finds their stories compelling, enriching his own creative endeavors.

In essence, Imtiaz’s exploration of characters and societal dynamics serves as a mirror for his own journey of self-discovery, offering insights into the complexities of human nature and the ever-evolving interplay between individuals and society.

Later in the conversation, Imtiaz Ali sheds light on his journey of convincing Diljit Dosanjh to take on the role of Amar Singh Chamkila once again. Imtiaz’s familiarity with Chamkila’s story from childhood, rooted in his upbringing in the same area, provided a strong foundation for his project. Even before their discussion, Imtiaz had already worked on a film loosely inspired by Chamkila’s life events.

Imtiaz’s approach to research went beyond conventional methods, immersing himself in the world of Amar Singh Chamkila through meetings with individuals closely connected to the musician, such as Tikki, Chamkila’s friend who played the dholak. These interactions offered firsthand insights into Chamkila’s life, emotions, and regrets, adding emotional depth to Imtiaz’s understanding of the character.

Exploring significant locations in Chamkila’s life, including the state building in Ludhiana, Imtiaz continued his research, engaging with key figures like Kikkar, Chamkila’s manager, and Sivia Pajji and Shinda, who provided valuable perspectives on Chamkila’s legacy.

As Imtiaz went deeper into his research, he became increasingly fascinated by Chamkila’s ability to connect with the masses, recognizing it as a universal aspiration among artists. This aspect became a central theme in his film project, resonating with Dosanjh, who shares a deep connection with Punjabi music and its audience.

Ultimately, Imtiaz’s dedication to authentically portraying Chamkila’s story, combined with Dosanjh’s passion for Punjabi music and storytelling, led to Dosanjh’s agreement to take on the role once again. Their shared vision for the project and Dosanjh’s belief in the character of Chamkila solidified his involvement in the film.

When asked to share a moment from behind the scenes, Imtiaz Ali shared a fascinating moment from the movie set that’s quite special. He talked about Mehsampur, the place where Amar Singh Chamkila and Amarjot died. Even after 36 years, Mehsampur remained frozen in time, a place of immense significance in Punjab’s musical history.

During filming, Imtiaz and his team went to great lengths to recreate the exact scene of Chamkila’s demise. They meticulously researched every detail, from the wedding setup to the food being prepared. It was all about authenticity, right down to the color of Chamkila’s car and the path he took.

Now, here’s the interesting part: during one scene, Diljit Dosanjh, playing Chamkila, had a surreal moment. He accidentally cut his finger on the Tumbi, a traditional Punjabi instrument, and felt a bit queasy during the shot. As he saw his own blood drip to the ground, he couldn’t help but imagine Chamkila’s blood staining the same soil years ago. It added a poignant touch to his performance.

This story truly showcases the dedication of the cast and crew to bringing Chamkila’s story to life with authenticity and respect for the history of Mehsampur.

Imtiaz also shared his reasoning behind recording Chamkila’s music live on set, drawing inspiration from Western movies where actors often sing their songs on location. He expressed admiration for the authenticity and closeness this approach brings to musical performances.

Imtiaz highlighted the distinction between Western musical theater, where actors sing live, and Hindi films, where playback singing is more common. He noted the limitations of playback singing, particularly in capturing the spontaneity and rhythm of a musician’s life. He says “Musicians don’t sing an entire song in one go; they may pause to talk or interact with the audience during performances.”

To authentically portray the life of a musician like Chamkila, Imtiaz felt it was crucial to have live singing on set. This allowed for improvisation, rehearsal, composition, and performance sequences to be seamlessly integrated into the film. He emphasized the importance of having singers of exceptional quality and preparation for this approach to work effectively.

In choosing Diljit Dosanjh for the role, Imtiaz highlighted Dosanjh’s unparalleled expertise in Punjabi music, making him the perfect fit for the live singing aspect of the film. Imtiaz expressed gratitude for having Dosanjh on board, recognizing him as a valuable asset in bringing Amar Singh Chamkila’s music to life in a genuine and heartfelt manner.

Ending his conversation, Imtiaz shares his experience working with Diljit Dosanjh, who acts and sings, which he says was a unique and enriching experience for Imtiaz Imtiaz. Dosanjh’s portrayal of Chamkila, a musician, blurred the lines between acting and music seamlessly. Imtiaz noted that Chamkila, as a character, was deeply intertwined with music and it was not just a part of his identity but also shaped his thoughts and reactions.

Imtiaz highlighted Dosanjh‘s innate understanding of music and its role in shaping the character of Chamkila. Despite Dosanjh’s primary identity as a musician, he seamlessly transitioned into the role of an actor, demonstrating his versatility and talent. Imtiaz emphasized that Dosanjh’s belief in himself as a musician didn’t hinder his acting abilities; instead, it enhanced them, as music became integral to his portrayal of Chamkila.

Throughout the filming process, music played a crucial role not only in Dosanjh’s performance but also in understanding the character of Amar Singh Chamkila. It served as a tool for both Dosanjh and Imtiaz to delve deeper into Amar Singh Chamkila’s psyche and motivations, enriching the storytelling process.

Watch Full Interview Here: