Dhanada K Mishra, Hong Kong, 8 June 2024
Geniuses often leave behind their unique footprint in history during a relatively short life. One such case was that of Amar Singh Chamkila who, during his brief life of 28 years, created history and records in the Punjabi folk music world that have not been broken since or are unlikely to be broken in future. His success can be gauged from the fact that when the ultraconservative clergy forced him to stop writing lewd lyrics that had become wildly popular among the masses and write/sing only spiritual songs, even his bhajans broke records in sales of records.
The recent Netflix movie “Chamkila” by Imtiaz Ali explores the life and times of the late Punjabi folk singer Amar Singh Chamkila. While the film primarily focuses on the iconic singer’s journey, it also touches upon several key social issues that are relevant even today. The acting of Diljit Singh Dosanjh and Parineeti Chopra in lead roles and music by the legendary music director A R Rehman makes the film a masterpiece, beautifully supplementing the director Imtiaz Ali’s innovative storytelling style. Given its gripping impact on the viewer, the subtle interweaving of burning social issues of the time that are relevant even today, makes for an interesting case study on how art can help engender dialogue on critical issues.
Amar Singh Chamkila was a renowned Punjabi folk singer who gained fame in the 1980s with his energetic performances and bold lyrics. Born in a poor lower caste family on July 21, 1960, in the village of Dugri near Ludhiana, Punjab, Chamkila partnered with Surinder Sonia and released the successful album “Takue Te Takua” in 1980. He later embarked on a solo career and became known for his controversial songs that often touched on boyish and suggestive themes. Tragically, Chamkila and his second wife Amarjot were assassinated in 1988. It was never known whether terrorism or professional rivalry was behind this double murder. Despite his untimely demise, Chamkila’s influence on Punjabi music remains significant, and he is considered a legend in the industry. His vivid language, high-pitched vocals, and novel compositions accompanied by tumbi made him popular. Chamkila’s impact can be seen in the works of other Punjabi artists, and he is often referred to as the “Elvis of Punjab”. His life and music have been the subject of folklore, films, and continue to inspire musicians today.
Cultural Suppression: The movie highlights the challenges artists like Chamkila face due to cultural suppression and restrictions imposed by religious chieftains and extremists. It sheds light on how these restrictions curbed freedom of expression and creativity. Just like the famous short story writer Saadat Hasan Manto who faced much trouble for his bold portrayal of the obscene underbelly of contemporary society, Chamkila also faced the wrath of the clergy.
Social Class Divide: The movie delves into the social class divide prevalent in Punjab during the 1980s. It contrasts the life of Dalits with that of the upper classes even though the Sikh society doesn’t recognise the caste system. Guru Nanak Dev had created Sikh panth as a reformer to rid Hindu society of many of its ills, such as the caste system. This is also true of Islam, which in theory has no caste or class sysyem but in practice the opposite prevails. Chamkila’s Dalit Sikh background and his wife Amarjot’s upper-caste Jat family is a crucial aspect of the movie that highlights the social inequalities and prejudices that exist in society.
Gender Issues: Chamkila’s songs often contained themes of women objectification, sexual violence, and domestic violence. The movie indirectly addresses these issues by showcasing the impact of such lyrics on society and the controversies surrounding them. It also acted as a mirror to the prevalent societal norms.
Violence and Insurgency: The movie is set against the backdrop of Punjab’s violent insurgency during the 1980s. It portrays the atmosphere of fear and uncertainty that prevailed during that time. This serves as a reminder of the consequences of political violence and its impact on the lives of ordinary people.
The movie does not offer specific solutions or suggestions for addressing the issue of gender violence and objectification. Instead, it serves as a reflection of the societal attitudes and challenges faced during that period. The movie aims to raise awareness about these issues and spark conversations about the impact of lyrics and the treatment of women in society. It encourages viewers to critically examine the cultural and social factors that contribute to gender violence and objectification.
While the movie does not provide specific solutions, it serves as a catalyst for dialogue and introspection. It encourages viewers to question and challenge the prevailing attitudes and behaviours that contribute to gender violence and objectification. By raising awareness and initiating conversations, the movie aims to inspire individuals and communities to take action and work towards creating a more equitable and respectful society.
Interestingly, the director Imtiaz Ali is originally from Odisha. His family lived as a tenant in our Surya Nagar house at Bhubaneswar where he was born. His outstanding talent, which is amply reflected in this thought-provoking film, makes one feel a special kinship with the maker. Let’s hope he continues to provide us with more thoughtful, high-quality movies in the future.