Imtiaz Ali reveals Diljit Dosanjh ‘was not a big star’ when he signed him for ‘Amar Singh Chamkila’: “He had not done Coachella”

Diljit Dosanjh

is a prominent figure in the

Punjabi music

and film industry, and has made significant strides in Bollywood in recent years, he has also become a global sensation. His role in

Imtiaz Ali

‘s film,

Amar Singh Chamkila

, has further solidified his status as a versatile artist. The film, which features Dosanjh alongside

Parineeti Chopra

, had garnered attention and acclaim, showcasing his talent in a new light.

Imtiaz Ali, the acclaimed director of Amar Singh

Chamkila

, recently reflected on the journey of casting Diljit Dosanjh in the titular role. In a conversation with Mid-Day India on YouTube, he noted that at the time of signing the ‘Lover’ singer, he was not yet the household name he is today. Ali remarked that Diljit “had not done Coachella” when they began their collaboration, highlighting that the actor’s rise to fame occurred concurrently with the film’s production.
Diljit Dosanjh’s ascent in the entertainment industry is a testament to his talent and hard work. Initially recognized for his contributions to Punjabi music, he has successfully transitioned into acting, earning accolades in both Punjabi and Hindi cinema.
Imtiaz Ali emphasized that the perception of an actor’s market value can fluctuate significantly between the time of casting and the film’s release. When Dosanjh was cast, there were doubts about his box office draw, as he was not considered a “big tested star” in the Hindi film industry. However, Ali had confidence in Dosanjh’s abilities, having witnessed his performances in films like

Udta Punjab

and Phillauri. He recognized that Dosanjh was not only a talented actor, but also a celebrated Punjabi pop star.

In a conversation with ETimes, Imtiaz Ali had elaborated on how Diljit infused the essence of Amar Singh Chamkila into the film. “He (Diljit) has brought an immense amount to this film. Needless to say, he has brought a sense of Chamkila’s Punjab,” expressed the director.
“He has been a Chamkila fan even before I knew of Chamkila. He knew all his songs,” he added.