Diljit Dosanjh, known for his captivating performances, is gearing up to portray the legendary Punjabi singer Amar Singh Chamkila in Imtiaz Ali’s upcoming movie. But getting into Chamkila’s shoes wasn’t a walk in the park for Diljit. In a recent interview with Film Companion, he shared his thoughts on the daunting task of singing like the iconic singer.
Diljit Dosanjh On The Challenge of Emulating Chamkila’s Style
Diljit expressed the difficulty of replicating Chamkila’s unique style, which many people are familiar with like the back of their hands. He explained how Chamkila’s songs are ingrained in people’s memories, making any attempt to mimic his voice a formidable challenge. Diljit acknowledged the tough road ahead, stating, “It was tough. It was difficult because people have heard Chamkila’s songs like rhymes. So if someone else is singing it, it will 101 percent look odd.”
Gratitude to AR Rahman’s Team
Despite the hurdles, Diljit extended his gratitude to AR Rahman’s team for their invaluable support throughout the process. He recognized their assistance in navigating the complexities of Chamkila’s music, acknowledging, “AR Rahman sir’s team has helped us a lot.”
Playing Pranks and Setting Expectations
Diljit Dosanjh also shared some light-hearted moments from the set, revealing playful antics with co-star Parineeti Chopra. He mentioned how he and Imtiaz Ali would sometimes play pranks on Parineeti by giving her one pitch to sing while suggesting a different one to the musician. Moreover, Diljit confessed that he didn’t have high expectations from Parineeti’s singing abilities, given the challenging nature of her role as Amarjot Kaur. He emphasized, “Even Parineeti, I did not have expectations from her because Amarjot’s part was tougher.”
Dedication and Practice
Imtiaz Ali, the director of the film, praised Diljit and Parineeti Chopra‘s dedication to their roles. He highlighted the rigorous practice sessions that preceded the shoot, emphasizing their commitment to honing their singing skills. Imtiaz revealed, “Before every shot that required them to sing, they would practice for hours.”
Jam Sessions with AR Rahman
Imtiaz also shed light on the collaborative efforts between the actors and AR Rahman. He described numerous jam sessions where Diljit and Parineeti would join Rahman sir in his studio to fine-tune their singing abilities. These sessions served as crucial preparation, ensuring that the musical aspects of the film were executed with finesse.
Aiming for Authenticity
In the end, Diljit emphasized that while they may not replicate Chamkila and Amarjot’s voices perfectly, they have earnestly tried to capture the essence of their characters. He acknowledged the connection between the music and the story, expressing hope that audiences would appreciate their efforts.
In this journey to portray the iconic duo, Diljit Dosanjh and Parineeti Chopra have demonstrated unwavering dedication, ensuring that the essence of Amar Singh Chamkila and Amarjot Kaur is authentically captured on screen.
