Chamkila, also known as Amar Singh Chamkila, was a renowned Punjabi singer and songwriter from Punjab in India. Born on July 21, 1960, in the village of Dugri, Punjab, Amar Singh Chamkila pioneered the Punjabi music industry. At the young age of nine, he started singing at local events and soon became known for his powerful voice and unique singing style. The traditional Punjab folk songs deeply inspired him, and he would often incorporate them into his music. He gained immense popularity in the 1980s with his unique and bold singing style. From 1979 to 1988, Chamkila ruled the music industry in Punjab with his songs that delved into issues such as village life, drug use, guns, infidelity, dowry, alcoholism, and the concept of Punjabi masculinity. Everyone, especially the youth, loved his music, and he became a cultural icon in Punjab. His schedule was packed, with over 365 shows in a year. Often, he found himself booked for performances in multiple villages on the same day. In an era when renowned folk singers would only charge Rs 500 for a local show, Chamkila charged Rs 4,000 for just one wedding performance. In this blog post, we delve into the untold story of this remarkable artist, exploring his wedding, his untimely death, and the biopic that brought his legacy back into the spotlight.
Chamkila And Surinder Shinda Association
Amar Singh Chamkila and Surinder Shinda had a close relationship initially. Here are a few facts about both
- A Chance Encounter: Eighteen-year-old Dhanni Ram (later known as Chamkila) reportedly approached the established folk singer Surinder Shinda in 1979.
- Bicycle and a Dream: Accounts suggest Chamkila arrived on a bicycle, accompanied by his friend Kuldeep Paras.
- Impressed by Raw Talent: Shinda, upon hearing Chamkila sing, recognized his raw talent and potential.
- Shinda, a renowned Punjabi folk singer, recognized Chamkila’s talent and brought him into his group. Chamkila worked as a helper, setting up stages and writing lyrics for Shinda’s performances.
- When Shinda went on a solo tour to Canada, Chamkila seized the opportunity to collaborate with singer Surinder Sonia. Together, they recorded the hit album “Takuye Te Takua Khadke”, which propelled Chamkila to stardom.
- After this, Chamkila and Sonia became a popular singing duo, captivating audiences with their unique style and chemistry. However, Chamkila was only paid Rs. 200 per performance, despite his immense popularity.
- Mentorship Begins: Shinda took Chamkila under his wing, becoming his mentor and guide in the music industry.
Surinder Shinda was instrumental in discovering and nurturing Chamkila’s musical talents, leading to Chamkila’s meteoric rise as a legendary Punjabi folk singer, though their financial arrangement remained unequal.
Chamkila’s Married Life
Amar Singh Chamkila’s personal life was as complex and unconventional as his music. While his marriage to Amarjot Kaur is widely known and celebrated, few are aware of his first marriage, which was marred by societal pressures and family obligations.
Before finding his soulmate in Amarjot, Chamkila was married to his first wife, Gurmail Kaur, whose name has been largely obscured by history. This marriage was an arranged union, a product of familial expectations and societal norms that Chamkila could not escape.
Little is known about the dynamics of this first marriage or the reasons behind its eventual dissolution. However, Chamkila’s unconventional lifestyle and unwavering dedication to his art are believed to have created difficult rifts to mend.
Finding Love and Artistic Synergy
It was in the midst of this tumultuous period that Chamkila encountered Amarjot Kaur, a talented singer in her own right. Their connection was instantaneous, a meeting of kindred spirits who shared a deep passion for music and a desire to challenge societal conventions.
Chamkila’s first marriage, bound by tradition and expectations, could not contain his free-spirited nature and his artistic aspirations. In Amarjot, he found a partner who understood his dreams and shared them wholeheartedly.
In 1976, He married his long-time love, Amarjot, and the couple became the ultimate duo in the Punjabi music industry. They created magic with their soulful voices and meaningful lyrics as a team, setting the bar high for future Punjabi music artists. Their love and chemistry were evident in their performances, and their fans adored them as a couple. Amarjot was not only Chamkila’s wife but was also his biggest supporter and confidant. She stood by him through thick and thin and was an integral part of his success. Together, they had three children – Jaiman Chamkila, Aman Chamkila, and Geeta Chamkila.
Rise to Fame
In 1979, Chamkila and his wife, Amarjot, released their first album titled “Mele Mitran De“. It became an instant hit, gaining them recognition and a loyal fan base. The duo went on to release many successful albums, including “Babu Chandigarhia”, “Pehle Lalkare Naal” and “Tere Utte Mandir Sajna”. Chamkila captivated the hearts of his fans with his melodious voice and his lyrical talent. He wrote the majority of his songs himself, which often depicted the struggles and joys of the ordinary people in Punjab. However, his life was tragically cut short at the peak of his career.
Controversial Music and Tragic End
Chamkila’s music was loved by many, but it also faced criticism and controversy. Some considered his songs too bold and explicit, and he faced backlash from conservative groups. However, he continued to stay true to his art and gained even more popularity with his fearless attitude.
Unfortunately, On March 8, 1988, Chamkila’s life and career were tragically cut short when unknown assailants gunned down him and Amarjot village of Mehsampur in Punjab. The brutal murder sent shockwaves through the Punjabi community, leaving a void that seemed impossible to fill.
The circumstances surrounding their deaths remain shrouded in mystery, with various theories and speculations emerging over the years. Some believe it was a targeted attack due to Chamkila’s outspoken nature and lyrics that challenged the status quo, while others point to personal vendettas or political motives.
The Unsolved Murder of Amar Singh Chamkila
Amar Singh Chamkila, a legendary Punjabi singer, songwriter, and performer, was tragically assassinated on March 8, 1988, along with his wife and singing partner, Amarjot Kaur. The murders took place in the village of Mehsampur, Punjab, and remain shrouded in mystery to this day.
People’s Version:
There’s no single, universally accepted account of the murders. Here’s what’s generally known:
- Chamkila and Amarjot arrived in Mehsampur for a scheduled performance.
- Masked gunmen on motorcycles opened fire on them as they exited their vehicle.
- Others in their entourage were also injured in the attack.
- The killers left a letter on Chamkila’s body, but its contents haven’t been publicly revealed.
Theories surrounding the motive include:
There’s a lot of speculation surrounding the motives behind the killings. Here are some common theories making the rounds among the public:
- Religious Rivalry: Chamkila’s music, while immensely popular, challenged some religious sensibilities. Some believe his lyrics, seen as provocative, might have offended certain hardline religious groups.
- Caste Conflict: Chamkila came from a disadvantaged background. His rise to fame and the social commentary in his songs might have stirred resentment.
- Political Vendetta: Punjab was a troubled state during that time. Some theories suggest political players might have been involved in the killings.
Unanswered Questions:
- Who were the killers?
- What was the exact motive behind the murders?
- Why hasn’t the case been solved?
Efforts to Find Closure:
- The recent movie “Chamkila,” starring Diljit Dosanjh, has reignited interest in the case.
- Chamkila’s former secretary recently shared details about the murders, but the identities of the killers remain elusive.
The Takeaway:
The brutal killings of Chamkila and Amarjot continue to be a dark stain on Punjabi music history. Despite ongoing public interest and the movie’s release, the case remains unsolved, leaving many unanswered questions and a sense of injustice.
Revisiting a Legacy: The Biopic
Decades after his untimely demise, Chamkila’s life and music were brought back into the spotlight with the release of the biopic “Amar Singh Chamkila.” Directed by Imtiaz Ali, the film starred Diljit Dosanjh as the charismatic singer and Parineeti Chopra as his beloved wife, Amarjot.
The biopic paid homage to Chamkila’s artistic genius and shed light on his tumultuous life and his challenges as a trailblazer in the Punjabi music industry.
Diljit Dosanjh’s captivating performance and Parineeti Chopra’s powerful portrayal of Amarjot breathed new life into the story, resonating with audiences across generations.
Final Words
Amar Singh Chamkila’s legacy transcends time and borders, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of music lovers worldwide. His music was a powerful catalyst for social change, challenging societal norms and giving voice to the unheard.
Through the biopic, a new generation has been introduced to the untold story of this Punjab music legend, ensuring that his memory and his message live on. Chamkila’s life and work serve as a testament to the power of art in shaping minds and igniting change, reminding us that true artists are not merely entertainers but vessels of truth and resilience.
