“Amar Singh Chamkila has done a lot of things that can be judged,” says Imtiaz Ali; recalls fearing Chamkila’s first wife’s reaction to Diljit Dosanjh starrer : Bollywood News

Imtiaz Ali's latest film, Amar Singh Chamkila, a biopic on the iconic and controversial Punjabi singer, has been receiving positive acclaim. In a recent interview, the director opened up about a nerve-wracking experience during the film's screening – sitting next to Chamkila's first wife, Gurmail Kaur. Imtiaz worried about her reaction to the portrayal of Chamkila, known for his powerful music that addressed social issues but also courted controversy due to its themes.

“Amar Singh Chamkila has done a lot of things that can be judged,” says Imtiaz Ali; recalls fearing Chamkila’s first wife’s reaction to Diljit Dosanjh starrer

These concerns stemmed from the film's inclusion of sensitive and potentially upsetting scenes. In a conversation with Zoom Imtiaz recalled, “Chamkila’s family was at the screening. His first wife Gurmail Kaur was there. Amarjot and Chamkila’s son Jaiman Chamkila was there. Chamkila’s daughters were also there. When we were watching the film, his first wife was sitting right next to me and I was thinking that there are some sensitive scenes in the film, should I just pull back or go back before she attacks me?”

He further added, “But when the screening got over, she hugged me, and everybody was so happy with the way that Chamkila was portrayed because we were hoping that they like it.” The director also credited the family for their trust in his creative vision. “I have not whitewashed Chamkila because that was the point of making the film. He has done a lot of things that can be judged but I let it be like that in the film and it’s actually credit to the family that they understood it. They knew that it’s factual and they did not stop me in any way,” he concluded.

Amar Singh Chamkila dominated the Punjabi music scene from 1979 to 1988. Tragically, Chamkila and Amarjot were assassinated in 1988. Speaking of the film, it stars Diljit Dosanjh and Parineeti Chopra in the lead.

Also Read: Imtiaz Ali reacts as Amar Singh Chamkila crosses 5 million viewership on Netflix, trends at No. 5 globally: “Encourages me to work more earnestly”