Imtiaz Ali spoke exclusively to ETimes about the much-anticipated movie ‘Chamkila’, expressing his enthusiasm for Diljit Dosanjh’s portrayal of the iconic Punjabi singer, Amar Singh Chamkila.
When the movie ‘Chamkila’ was announced, it garnered immense excitement from Punjabi music enthusiasts and those familiar with Amar Singh Chamkila’s legacy. This excitement multiplied when it was revealed that Diljit Dosanjh would be playing the lead role. Fans of Diljit believe there could be no one better suited for the role, and Imtiaz Ali’s remarks seem to confirm their beliefs.
In an exclusive conversation with ETimes, Ali emphasized Diljit’s commitment to capturing the essence of Chamkila’s Punjab. “He (Diljit) has brought an immense amount to this film. Needless to say, he has brought a sense of Chamkila’s Punjab,” Ali expressed, highlighting Diljit’s longstanding admiration for Chamkila. “He has been a Chamkila fan even before I knew of Chamkila. He knew all his songs,” Ali added.
Ali also shared insights into his initial conversations with Diljit about the film. He recalled a pivotal phone call where he found himself divulging the entire story instead of just arranging a meeting. “I remember the first time I spoke to him about Chamkila was over a call, and I was supposed to just tell him that we would meet and I would tell you the story,” Ali said. “However, I ended up telling him the story. That phone call lasted for hours, and he said, ‘I am standing by your side, and I am going to be standing by your side always for this,'” he conveyed, humorously adding, “And that is not his love for me; that is his love for Chamkila.”
Addressing the decision not to make ‘Chamkila’ in Punjabi, Ali said, “It would have been a waste of opportunity.”
The film also stars Parineeti Chopra in a leading role and is set to premiere on OTT platforms on April 12, 2024.
