Even before its debut, the film Amar Singh Chamkila has provided us with a wonderful music CD, which only adds to our anticipation for the plot. The singer’s story is complex, and much remains unknown. Amar Singh Chamkila became famous for his distinct poetic style, powerful vocals, inventive melodies, and expert usage of the Tumbi instrument. He was also highly considered as a key player in Punjabi music, known for his powerful presence on stage and in live performances. Before altering his stage name, he went by Dhani Ram.
Dhani Ram, or Amar Singh Chamkila grew up experiencing financial challenges in his family. He also worked as a laborer to help his parents, and then at a textile mill. However, he continued to explore music while working. His musical career began when he teamed with the famed folk singer Shinda. Chamkila would first help with stage setup and lyric writing.
This partnership helped him launch a successful career as a songwriter for Shinda. Shinda later toured Canada in the early 1980s. Chamkila, on the other hand, produced four songs with his partner, Sonia. This also helped Dhani Ram become a star, since he took the stage name Chamkila.
Following the four tracks, the music label issued another tape called Baapu Saada Gum Ho Gaya, which featured Chamkila and Sonia. Their style became extremely famous, and people asked them to play at weddings and other parties. The vocalists split up after a while because Chamkila was paid significantly less than Sonia. After parting ways, Chamkila linked up with budding singer Amarjot Kaur, who was previously recognized for her work with Kuldeep Manak.
This collaboration was a huge thing at the time. Their debut album, Bhul Gayi Main Ghund Kadna, included the song Pahile Lalkare Naal Main Darr Gayi. Chamkila was already a musical icon in Punjab.
On the personal front, Amar Singh Chamkila was married twice. His first wife was Gurmail Kaur, and they had two children, Amandeep Kaur and Kamaldeep Kaur. Later, he married Amarjot Kaur without completing his divorce from his first wife. They have a kid named Jaiman Chamkila. Gurmail Kaur revealed in an interview that her family had no objections about Chamkila pursuing a musical career. After they married, he began singing for more gigs. She went on to say, “I didn’t mind it when Chamkila and Amarjyot would perform together.”
This led in a lot of controversies, and he was advised to cease. Amar Singh Chamkila persisted with the topics and the lyrics, which were regarded as “too bold” or “corrupting”. Even in folk music, his songs had double meanings, which contributed to the debates.
Despite being questioned about their work, the Chamkila-Amarjot duo quickly gained recognition. They were shot and killed in Mehsampur, Punjab, on March 8, 1988, as they were getting out of their automobile. The assailants fired fire, killing them instantly. However, the perpetrators of the shooting are unknown, and the case remains unsolved.
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