Filmmaker Imtiaz Ali, speaking exclusively to IndiaToday.in, revealed that his upcoming film, ‘Amar Singh Chamkila’ is not a work of fiction. The film, which features Diljit Doasanjh and Parineeti Chopra, is a biopic on the life of legendary Punjabi singer, Amar Singh Chamkila. He also opened up about the reason behind doing this biographical drama.
In his interview, Imtiaz explained that he stayed authentic and true to the story and how much of the film is based on the fiction. He said, “As far as I know, it’s completely authentic and true. I have not taken any shortcuts. I have not made any scenes out of my imagination. I have tried to be very authentic for my own sake because I feel that I always make films by imagination, but how would this film be different from the others for me? Also, as a filmmaker, when you go out looking for the truth, you end up knowing more dramatic things.”
The ‘Jab We Met’ director also revealed that he never thought of making a biopic. Explaining further, he said, “I have never made a biopic before. But I would often hear about Amar Singh Chamkila through my friends, especially from my production head Rajesh Sharma. He would always say that I should make a film on the singer. In fact, he was the first person who told me about Chamkila.”
He continued, “Then, I started listening to his music and found many things interesting about him. Finally, six years back, around the release of ‘Love Aaj Kal 2’, a gentleman called Harpreet, had the rights to the film Chamkila, which was very difficult to get. For some reason, he felt that he should approach me to direct this film.”
“I did ask him ‘why did you come to me to make this film?’. I am not even from Punjab, and he said ‘Aap ki film mein Punjab bahut his khoobsurati se dekha ya jata hain’ (In your films, Punjab is portrayed beautifully). It took five years because I did not have much knowledge about Chamkila. Then, Covid happened, and I was visiting Punjab with Chamkila at back of my mind. I started listening to the stories of the singer and it got interesting. I had my own view and story to tell through Chamkila and that’s when I decided to make the film,” he added.
Amar Singh Chamkila, with his raw and unabashed lyrics, challenged societal norms and became a voice for the marginalised. His music transcended geographical boundaries and resonated with audiences across generations.
His songs, often addressing taboo subjects with unfiltered honesty, remain relevant even today. By immortalising Chamkila’s legacy on celluloid, Imtiaz Ali aims to introduce his artistry to a wider audience and pay homage to his contribution to Punjabi music.
‘Amar Singh Chamkila’ will premiere on Netflix on April 12.
Source: India Today