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'Amar Singh Chamkila' & Gatekeeping Of Art
With Amar Singh Chamkila, Imtiaz Ali urges us to have a very important conversation - that of censorship. The narrative follows the life of the ‘Elvis of Punjab,’ aka the controversial Punjabi singer Amar Singh Chamkila. The backdrop is the tumultuous 1980s, and Chamkila enjoyed massive popularity, so much so that he (if we are to believe the film) outsold one of Amitabh Bachchan’s shows in Canada. However, Chamkila did not have it easy at all and it’s fitting that he was compared to none other than Elvis Presley. Just as Elvis was accused of corrupting the youth of America with his ‘pelvic thrusts,’ Chamkila had to deal with the cultural gatekeepers that were irked by his sexually charged lyrics.
Why did Chamkila and his wife Amarjot Kaur sing those songs? As mentioned by a character in the film, Chamkila simply composed what people were too embarrassed to say in public. He had no filters, he didn’t pretend. And that’s exactly what he tells a posh reporter who questions him about the objectification of women in his songs. He does not deny that he does. But he also says, “Chhote log yehi pasand karte hain…” and he also reminds her that most of the people in the country are like him - ordinary.
Diljit Dosanjh in a still from Chamkila.
(Photo Courtesy: YouTube)
Chamkila’s firm belief that what he was doing was right got him killed. People took offence, and they decided to retaliate with violence. The prudes began complaining that people were dying, and Chamkila and Amarjot were dancing to “Jijaji meri kamar ka naap le lo.” Is it appropriate? - the words kept echoing. But in those violent times, where there was bloodshed all around, who is to tell the masses what gives them joy and an escape?
A still from Chamkila.
(Photo Courtesy: YouTube)
If there’s something called freedom of expression, do we need select few to be ‘upholders of morality’ or do we let people self-censor? Chamkila says, “Why am I being targeted when other singers sing such songs, too?” There’s no definitive answer, and the film doesn’t take sides either. Ultimately, people must have the choice to decide what they want to read or watch.
That’s how Chamkila led his life, too. There was a period when he took the criticism to stride, got scared and started writing devotional songs (which, too, became huge hits) but the masses wanted the songs that made him a star. They made him a star, so don’t they get to decide what form of entertainment makes them forget their troubles?
