India’s sole entry: ‘Amar Singh Chamkila’ shines at 53rd International Emmys

Mumbai: Imtiaz Ali’s ‘Amar Singh Chamkila’ has been nominated in two categories at the 53rd International Emmy Awards this year, including Best Performance by an Actor for Diljit Dosanjh and Best TV Movie/Mini-Series. The film, which tells the story of the legendary Punjabi singer Amar Singh Chamkila, stands as India’s only entry at the prestigious ceremony this year.

Directed by Imtiaz Ali, Amar Singh Chamkila dives into the cultural and political fabric of Punjab, showcasing the life and struggles of the titular artist. Diljit Dosanjh’s portrayal of Chamkila has been widely praised, capturing the essence of the iconic singer whose music and legacy continue to resonate globally. The film also boasts a memorable score by A.R. Rahman, with lyrics penned by Irshad Kamil.

A rooted story with global appeal

Imtiaz Ali shared his thoughts on the film’s recognition, emphasizing the uniqueness of the story. “Amar Singh Chamkila is a rare film because it has to do with the scent of the land of Punjab- its music, its socio-politics, its conflict, its aspirations, and its many problems. The fact that conflict creates art creates conflict was represented through the life of Amar Singh Chamkila in this film. We are all very happy that we could bring the story of Chamkila, such a unique individual, to the fore. In the story of Amarjot and Chamkila is also the story of Punjab. I would like to congratulate the team for these nominations, and I would like to congratulate Diljit Dosanjh twice over because he's also nominated in the Best Actor category in the Emmy Awards for this film. That's really well done! We could not have made the film without Diljit, and not for a moment on the shoot was he not Chamkila. It was a wonderful grassroot kind of experience shooting in Punjab for Amar Singh Chamkila. Congratulations Team! Also, thank you Netflix, for believing blindly in this film from the beginning to the end,” he said.

Diljit Dosanjh, reflecting on the nomination, expressed his gratitude, saying, “I feel truly honored Amar Singh Chamkila, an artist from Punjab, is being recognized and talked about at a global level on such a prestigious stage like the International Emmys. This nomination is not just for me, but for the entire legacy of Chamkila. I am grateful to Imtiaz Ali Sir for choosing me for the role.”

Netflix earned additional nominations in several other categories this year, showcasing a broad range of international talent and stories:

Best Performance by an Actor

Amar Singh Chamkila – Diljit Dosanjh (India)

One Hundred Years of Solitude – Diego Vásquez (Colombia)

TV Movie/Mini-Series

Amar Singh Chamkila (India)

Non-Scripted Entertainment

Love is Blind Habibi (UAE)

Comedy

Chicken Nugget (South Korea)

Sports Documentary

It’s All Over: The Kiss That Changed Spanish Football (Spain)

Kids: Live-Action

Luz (Brazil)

In 2020, Netflix's Delhi Crime won the International Emmy for Best Drama Series, and Vir Das: Landing took home Best Comedy Series in 2023.

The 53rd International Emmy Awards will be held on November 24, 2025, in New York, where Amar Singh Chamkila will compete against global contenders.