New Delhi: Filmmaker Imtiaz Ali and actor-musician Diljit Dosanjh have expressed delight over the two International Emmy nominations for their Netflix film Amar Singh Chamkila, calling it a recognition of Punjab and its artists.
The biographical film, based on the life of slain Punjabi musician Amar Singh Chamkila, has been nominated in the TV Movie/Mini-Series category, while Dosanjh received a nod in the Best Performance by an Actor category.
The International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences announced the nominations from New York on Thursday night, with Amar Singh Chamkila emerging as the only Indian entry.
“Amar Singh Chamkila is a rare film because it captures the essence of Punjab—its music, socio-political landscape, conflicts, aspirations, and challenges,” Ali said.
“Conflict creates art, and through Chamkila’s life, we tried to reflect that. This story is also the story of Punjab.”
The 53rd International Emmy Awards gala will take place in New York City on November 24.
In the TV Movie/Mini-Series category, the film will compete with Herrhausen: The Banker and the Bomb (Germany), Lost Boys & Fairies (UK), and Vencer o Morir (Chile).
Ali congratulated the film’s team and praised Dosanjh’s performance.
“Diljit’s portrayal was so immersive that for every moment on set, he was Chamkila. Shooting in Punjab was a truly grassroots experience, and the nominations are a reflection of the entire team’s dedication,” he said.
Dosanjh, who has received widespread acclaim for his performance as Chamkila—who was shot dead in 1988 at age 27 along with his wife Amarjot—called the Emmy recognition a tribute to the late musician’s legacy.
“I feel truly honoured that Amar Singh Chamkila, an artist from Punjab, is being recognised globally on such a prestigious platform. I am grateful to Imtiaz Ali sir for entrusting me with this role,” the 41-year-old actor said.
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In the Best Actor category, Dosanjh will compete with David Mitchell (Ludwig, UK), Oriol Pla (Yo, adicto, Spain), and Diego Vasquez (One Hundred Years of Solitude, Colombia).
The film, produced by Mohit Choudhary, Select Media Holdings LLP, Saregama, and Window Seat Films, also stars Parineeti Chopra, with music by A.R. Rahman and lyrics by Irshad Kamil.
Monika Shergill, Vice President of Content, Netflix India, praised the team: “This story celebrates an iconic Indian artist whose music and journey transcend boundaries. These nominations are not only recognition of the cast and crew’s remarkable work but also a tribute to Chamkila’s enduring legacy.”
India has previously won International Emmys with Netflix series Delhi Crime (Best Drama, 2020) and comedian Vir Das (Vir Das: Landing, Best Comedy, 2021).
