Amar Singh Chamkila
Amar Singh Chamkila (21 July 1960 – 8 March 1988) was an Indian singer and musician of Punjabi music. Chamkila's vivid language, high-pitched vocals, and novel compositions accompanied by tumbi made him popular. His music was influenced by the Punjabi village life in which he grew up. On 8 March 1988, at the height of his popularity, Chamkila and his second wife Amarjot were killed along with two members of their band in an assassination which remains unsolved.
Amar Singh Chamkila | |
|---|---|
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Dhanni Ram |
| Also known as | Chamkila |
| Born | 21 July 1960 Dugri, Ludhiana, Punjab, India |
| Died | 8 March 1988 (aged 27) Mehsampur, Punjab, India |
| Genres | Punjabi duets, solos, folk, religious |
| Occupation(s) | Singer, musician, composer |
| Instrument(s) | Vocals, tumbi, harmonium, dholak |
| Years active | 1979–1988 |
| Labels | HMV |
| Spouse(s) | Gurmail Kaur, Amarjot |
Chamkila was an influential Punjabi artist and live stage performers, often called the "Elvis of Punjab". His first recorded song was "Takue Te Takua", and his hits include "Pehle Lalkare Naal" and the devotional songs "Baba Tera Nankana", "Tar Gayi Ravidas Di Pathri", and "Talwar Main Kalgidhar Di". Though he never recorded it himself, he wrote the song "Jatt Di Dushmani", which has been performed by many other Punjabi artists.