Imtiaz Ali on casting Diljit Dosanjh and Parineeti Chopra in Amar Singh Chamkila and opting for live versions of the songs: “It was mandatory for me to cast actors who are singers as well”

Imtiaz Ali’s upcoming directorial, Amar Singh Chamkila, starring Diljit Dosanjh and Parineeti Chopra, is all set for its release. Shot in real locations, the film promises to transport the audiences to the vibrant and rhythmic world of Punjab’s folk music, right to the rustic Akhadaas (live music performances in villages) where Chamkila’s voice would once roar. The film also stars Parineeti Chopra as Amarjot, Chamkila’s wife and singing partner. The makers, at the Next on Netflix event last week, unveiled the first song ‘Ishq Mithaye’ in the presence of the cast and music composer AR Rahman and singer Mohit Chauhan. In a recent chat, Ali revealed why he wanted actors who could also sing.

Speaking to News18 Showsha, Imtiaz Ali said, “It was mandatory for me to cast actors who are singers as well. It was important for them to sing live. This film wouldn’t have been possible without them. It’s not like Diljit didn’t train a lot like Parineeti did but he does live singing and is used to it. They both recorded the songs after singing them live. The reason behind this is that I’ve never had singers singing live during a shot. I thought that in case the live singing doesn’t work out, we can always use the recorded version and use it as playback like we usually do.”

Despite having recorded versions of the songs, Imtiaz Ali opted for live versions of them. He added, “But the way Parineeti and Diljit sang live was a hundred times superior to what they recorded in a studio. Live singing has a magic of its own and we managed to capture it. What we recorded was a back-up. The songs sung by them in the film has happened live on location like dialogue-speaking. There were no add-ons whatsoever.”

There are six original Hindi songs in the film sung by Mohit Chauhan, Alka Yagnik, Arijit Singh, Kailash Kher, Richa Sharma, Jonita Gandhi, Yashika Sikka and AR Rahman. Adding to the excitement, both Diljit and Parineeti have lent their voices to some of the songs originally sung by Chamkila and Amarjot in Punjabi.

The film is produced by Mohit Choudhary, Select Media Holdings LLP, Saregama, and Window Seat Films. Premiering on April 12, the film charts the untold true story of Punjab’s original rockstar of the masses, the highest record-selling artist of his time, Amar Singh Chamkila, often referred to as the “Elvis Presley of Punjab”.

ALSO READ: Diljit Dosanjh was apprehensive of starring in Amar Singh Chamkila; says he surrendered to Imtiaz Ali’s vision: “It was matter of pride for me and my people”

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