Filmmaker Imtiaz Ali and actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh have expressed delight over their Netflix film ‘Amar Singh Chamkila’ bagging two International Emmy nominations, calling it a moment of pride for Punjab and its artists. 

The biographical drama, based on the life of the iconic and controversial Punjabi musician Amar Singh Chamkila, has been shortlisted in the TV Movie/Mini-Series category, while Dosanjh has also secured a nomination in the Best Actor category.

According to a PTI report, the International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences announced the nominations in New York on Thursday night, with ‘Amar Singh Chamkila’ standing out as the lone Indian entry this year. 

The film, which tells the story of Chamkila and his wife Amarjot, both of whom were gunned down in 1988 at the peak of their fame, has received acclaim for its authentic portrayal of Punjab’s cultural and social realities.

Imtiaz Ali, who directed the film, described it as a tribute to the soil and soul of Punjab. “Amar Singh Chamkila is a rare film because it has to do with the scent of the land of Panjab—its music, its socio-politics, its conflict, its aspirations, and its many problems. The fact that conflict creates art creates conflict was represented through the life of Amar Singh Chamkila in this film. We are all very happy that we could bring the story of Chamkila, such a unique individual, to the fore,” Ali said in a statement.

The filmmaker congratulated his entire team and lauded Dosanjh’s powerful performance. “I would like to congratulate Diljit Dosanjh twice over because he’s also nominated in the Best Actor category. Not for a moment on the shoot was he not Chamkila. It was a wonderful grassroots kind of experience shooting in Punjab for this film,” he said.

Dosanjh, who has been widely praised for capturing the essence of Chamkila, called the honour a tribute to the late singer’s legacy. “I feel truly honoured Amar Singh Chamkila, an artist from Punjab, is being recognized and talked about at a global level on such a prestigious stage like the International Emmys. I am grateful to Imtiaz Ali sir for choosing me for the role,” the actor-singer said.

The 53rd International Emmy Awards gala will be held in New York City on November 24. ‘Amar Singh Chamkila’ will compete in the TV Movie/Mini-Series category against ‘Herrhausen: The Banker’ and the ‘Bomb’ (Germany), ‘Lost Boys & Fairies’ (United Kingdom), and ‘Vencer o Morir’ (Chile). In the Best Actor category, Dosanjh is nominated alongside David Mitchell for ‘Ludwig’ (UK), ‘Oriol Pla for Yo’, adicto (Spain), and ‘Diego Vasquez for One Hundred Years of Solitude’ (Colombia).

Produced by Mohit Choudhary, Select Media Holdings LLP, Saregama, and Window Seat Films, the film also starred Parineeti Chopra as Amarjot. The music was composed by A R Rahman with lyrics by Irshad Kamil, adding depth and authenticity to the story of Punjab’s beloved yet controversial folk star.

Netflix India’s Vice President of Content, Monika Shergill, said the nominations were a proud moment for Indian storytelling. “This story is a celebration of an iconic Indian artist whose music and journey transcended boundaries. These nominations are not only a recognition of the remarkable work of the cast and crew but also a tribute to Chamkila’s enduring legacy that continues to inspire,” she said.

India has had past success at the International Emmys with ‘Delhi Crime’ winning Best Drama in 2020 and comedian Vir Das securing the Best Comedy trophy in 2021 for his Netflix special ‘Vir Das: Landing’. This year’s nominations for ‘Amar Singh Chamkila’ have once again put Indian talent on the global stage.