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EYE ON BOLLYWOOD OCTOBER 03, 2025 | The Indian Eye 40

Diljit Dosanjh: From Punjab’s

Melody to Global Spotlight

Diljit Dosanjh’s powerful performance in Amar Singh Chamkila has earned him a historic
International Emmy nomination, cementing his place as a rising global icon in cinema and music

OUR BUREAU alike. In response, the makers an-
nounced the decision not to release
Mumbai
Sardaar Ji 3 in India.
rom the bustling streets of Pun- During a concert in Kuala Lum-
jab to the shimmering lights pur, Diljit addressed the growing con-
Fof international fame, Diljit troversy with rare candor. With visible
Dosanjh’s journey has been anything emotion and careful words, he clari-
but ordinary. Known for his magnet- fied that Sardaar Ji 3 was shot in Feb-
ic stage presence and heartfelt per- ruary—prior to the terror incident—
formances, the singer-actor has once and emphasized his deep respect for
again broken barriers—this time with his homeland.
a nomination at the prestigious 2025 “There is a difference. My film was
International Emmy Awards. shot before the attack, and the match
On September 25, the Interna- was played afterwards,” he told the
tional Academy of Television Arts & crowd, referring to the India vs. Paki-
Sciences announced its nominations, stan cricket match that reignited on-
and among the world’s finest talents, line debate. “We have always prayed
Diljit’s name stood tall. He has been that the terrorists should receive the
nominated in the Best Performance strictest punishment... I would nev-
by an Actor category for his transfor- er go against my country,” he added,
mative role in Netflix’s Amar Singh earning thunderous applause from
Chamkila. This marks a watershed the audience.
moment not only in his career but This moment of vulnerability
also for Indian representation on the showcased another side of Diljit: one
global stage. that values silence over spectacle, but
In Amar Singh Chamkila, Diljit stands firm in integrity. “I have a lot
brought to life the story of Punjab’s of things to say, but I choose to stay
legendary folk singer, who was often silent,” he said, hinting at the emo-
dubbed the “Elvis of Punjab.” Set in tional toll such scrutiny takes—even
the 1980s, the film chronicles Cham- for someone so loved.
kila’s meteoric rise in the music world Despite the challenges, Diljit’s ca-
with bold lyrics, electrifying perfor- reer shows no signs of slowing down.
mances, and an unapologetic voice of He is set to appear next in Border 2,
the people. The narrative takes a trag- sharing the screen with Sunny Deol,
ic turn with Chamkila’s assassination Varun Dhawan, and Ahan Shetty—a
at the young age of 27, alongside his film that promises a mix of patriotism
wife, Amarjot Kaur. and power-packed drama.
Directed by Imtiaz Ali, the bi- Whether it’s belting out hits on a
opic resonated with audiences glob- global stage, acting in genre-defining
ally. Its emotionally raw storytelling, films, or handling controversies with
live-recorded folk music, and Diljit’s maturity, Diljit Dosanjh continues to
hauntingly real performance made it redefine what it means to be an Indi-
a cultural milestone. The film didn’t an artist in the 21st century. From sta-
just win hearts—it earned accolades. Diljit Dosanjh with Parineeti Chopra at the launch of their film ‘Amar Singh Chamkila’ (File photo) dium tours to streaming charts, and
It also bagged a nomination in the now to the International Emmys, Dil-
Best TV Movie/Mini-Series category itude). That the Punjabi artist now tured Pakistani actress Hania Aamir. jit’s journey reflects not just personal
at the Emmys, making it a double cel- competes on such a stage is a testa- The film, released overseas on June triumph but the expanding reach of
ebration for the team and a defining ment to his versatility, passion, and 27, became a lightning rod for back- Indian talent.
moment for Indian cinema. relentless pursuit of artistic excellence. lash following the tragic Pahalgam As the world tunes in for the 2025
Diljit’s nomination places him But Diljit’s rise hasn’t been with- terror attack, which reignited tensions International Emmy Awards, millions
alongside international heavyweights out turbulence. between India and Pakistan. Critics will be cheering not just for a nomina-
such as David Mitchell (Ludwig), Earlier this year, he found him- targeted the film for its cross-border tion—but for the spirit of a performer
Oriol Pla (Yo, Adicto), and Diego self at the center of controversy with casting, with pressure mounting from who rose from the heartland of Pun-
Vasquez (One Hundred Years of Sol- the release of Sardaar Ji 3, which fea- film associations and social media jab to captivate the world.

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