Indian actor and singer Diljit Dosanjh has earned his first-ever International Emmy nomination for Best Performance by an Actor for his portrayal of legendary singer Amar Singh Chamkila, in Netflix’s biographical musical drama ‘Amar Singh Chamkila’.
Reacting to the prestigious nomination, Dosanjh took to Instagram stories to express his gratitude, writing: “It’s all because of @imtiazaliofficial Sir @netflix.in”, acknowledging the pivotal role the director and streaming platform played in the film’s journey.
The film, directed by celebrated filmmaker Imtiaz Ali, also secured a nomination in the Best TV Movie/Mini-Series category at the 2025 International Emmy Awards.
In a previous interview, Imtiaz Ali shared the story behind casting Diljit in the lead role, revealing that the decision came naturally once the film began to take shape. Ali, who is known for crafting emotionally resonant stories, said he had always been intrigued by the life and music of Amar Singh Chamkila, who was a controversial yet iconic figure in Punjabi pop culture.
“When I started researching Chamkila’s life, I couldn’t think of anyone but Diljit,” Imtiaz recalled, “He didn’t just look the part, he understood the world, the music, and the language of Chamkila in a way no one else could. I reached out to him and, to my surprise, he immediately said yes, no questions asked. It was almost like he had been waiting for this story.”
Ali further added that Diljit’s commitment to authenticity was unmatched. “He recorded all the songs live, the way Chamkila did in his time. That brought an energy to the film that you can’t fake.”
Amar Singh Chamkila, which premiered on Netflix in April 2024, chronicles the star rise and tragic end of Indian Punjab’s first mass-popularity pop star, whose provocative lyrics and raw storytelling drew both mass adoration and intense criticism. The film also stars Parineeti Chopra as Amarjot Kaur, Chamkila’s wife and musical partner, delivering a powerful performance that complements Dosanjh’s gripping portrayal.
The film was praised widely for its innovative storytelling, soulful music, composed by A.R. Rahman and its bold exploration of art, censorship, and legacy in the sociopolitical landscape of 1980s Indian Punjab.
The winners will be announced at the 53rd International Emmy Awards gala, scheduled to take place in New York City on November 24. This year’s awards cover 64 contenders in 16 categories and represent a record 26 nations.