Imtiaz Ali Celebrates Emmy Nominations for Diljit Dosanjh and Chamkila

Imtiaz Ali expressed his excitement following the nomination of his film, Amar Singh Chamkila, for two prestigious awards at the International Emmy Awards. The nominations, announced recently, recognize Diljit Dosanjh for Best Performance by an Actor and the film itself in the TV Movie/Mini-Series category. This recognition comes over a year and a half after the film’s initial release, highlighting its enduring impact.

In an exclusive interview with HT City, Ali reflected on the significance of the nominations. “In the excitement of these nominations, the first name that comes to mind is ‘Chamkila’. He lived a life that we could make a film out of,” he said. The director emphasized how the film captures the struggles and triumphs of life in Punjab, with both Chamkila and his counterpart, Amarjot, played by Parineeti Chopra, embodying the region’s complex narrative.

Ali also acknowledged the critical support from Netflix, which backed the project during financially challenging times. “They came in at a moment when we were facing difficulties and put their money into the project. It’s because of them that the film happened,” he stated.

The director praised Dosanjh’s performance, stating, “The film couldn’t have been made without Diljit. He has brought in a lot of value and made the film what it is. I am so glad that he is also nominated in the category of Best Actor.” His gratitude extended to the entire team, including renowned music composer AR Rahman and lyricist Irshad Kamil, as well as the cast and crew who contributed to the film’s success.

Ali expressed a deep connection to Punjab, saying, “I am forever indebted to Punjab and its people for letting me be there and participate in their stories.” He also acknowledged his brother, Sajid Ali, who co-wrote the film, along with Jassi, who provided essential research support, and his editor, Aarti, for their invaluable contributions.

As the excitement builds for the International Emmy Awards, which will take place on January 15, 2024, Ali’s celebration of his film’s recognition underscores a broader appreciation for the cultural narratives emerging from Punjab. The nominations not only honor the individuals involved but also reflect the richness of Punjabi storytelling on an international stage.