New Delhi: Censorship has long been a contentious issue in various art forms, a discord echoing through the ages. Imtiaz Ali's recent release 'Amar Singh Chamkila,' starring Diljit Dosanjh and Parineeti Chopra, reignites the debate on freedom of expression. Chronicling the life of Punjab's highest-record selling artist, Amar Singh Chamkila, the biopic delves into a world where raunchy songs about sexual experiences coexist with themes of piety and godliness.


Amar Singh Chamkila music


Like Amar Singh Chamkila's vibrant life, his music had a similar flavour. Chamkila had a song for every occasion and mood. In fact, there is an entire playlist devoted to truck drivers from his discography. 


Despite his songs being inspired by local and real-life events, Chamkila never veered into deliberate crudeness; rather, he presented them in an artistic manner.


Why is Amar Singh Chamkila's so popular


Chamkila may not be the most ideal example of Punjabi folk singing or as some say, not even represent Punjabi folk let alone the higher art forms, but his ability to talk about subjects on the cultural periphery, make lyrics and catchy tunes out of them, and lend an identity to the repressed dreams, desires of the ordinary people was why Chamkila was so popular.


It was not just the vulgarity or the sexual content or immorality in his songs that made him popular ( his religious songs were equally popular). His ability to create emotions through music that connected with his audience was why Chamkila continues to be one of Punjab's most listened to singer till date. 


In an era predating advanced musical technology, Chamkila's live performances in the 80s were legendary.


Stories abound of him sipping tea mid-performance, engaging with the audience, and seamlessly transitioning from conversation to song, captivating his listeners effortlessly.


As 'Amar Singh Chamkila' on Netflix celebrates his life and that of his partner Amarjot Kaur, let's take a look five of the legend's most popular and controversial songs that continue to immortalize him.


Five popular Amar Singh Chamkila songs


1. Sikhar Dupehere Nahundi Si


Arguably, one of Amar Singh Chamkila's most raunchiest and controversial song, 'Sikhar Dupehere Nahundi Si' was also one of his most popular tracks. 


When Chamkila met with the five-member Kharku( (Sikhi militants part of the Khalistani movement) committee in Amritsar to apologise to them about obscene lyrics of his songs, it is said that the committee mentioned 'Sikhar Dupehere Nahundi Se' and asked Amar Singh Chamkila to refrain from singing or writing such songs.


'Sikhar Dupehere Nahundi Si' lyrics with meaning


Mera vada veer mera jeth khada!
mori cho tak deya reha khada
Mera vada veer mera jeth khada!
Mori cho tak deya reha khada
me ragad ragad pindey nu saban laundi c
oh tak da reha ve me sikhar duphere nahaundi c
oh tak da reha ve me
sikhar dupehre nahaundi c


The meaning of 'Sikhar Dupehere Nahundi Si' loosely transaltes to 'my older brother-in-law who is unmarried watches me from a small nook while I bathe with soap and water in mid afternoon. 


 



2. Mitran Mein Khand Ban Gyi


It is 2024 and we may think that we live in a relatively tolerant society where songs with a variety of suggestive meanings can be sung without a fear of sediton or reprisal. However, think about the 80s insurgency in Punjab where several extremist groups in the name of organised religion preached about a clean society without drug abuse, alcholism, extra-marital affairs. Amidst this backdrop, comes Chamkila with a song that literally means 'scoop me up and lick me like sugar'. 


In the face of fervent opposition from conservative factions advocating for a sanitized society, Chamkila's unabashed expression of desire and pleasure was a radical act.


One can also listen to 'Bapu Sada Gum Ho Gaya' for an equally boisterous experience wherein Chamkila sings about his father finding new love with another woman.


 



Take a look at Amarjot & Chamkila's track 'Mitran Mein Khand Ba Gayi'.


 



3. Baba Tere Nankana


A song composed by Amar Singh Chamkila, after having apologised to the Kharkus Singhs in Amritsar, 'Bana Tera Nankana' is one of Chamkila's most popular songs. The lyrics of the song talk about how the British sowed the seeds of communal disharmony between the Hindu, Muslim and Sikh communities in Punjab. It also refers to the Partition, and how Sikhs no longer can pray at the Nankana Sahib, in Pakistan post partition.


Interesingly, when Chamkila performed this song in several akharas, he would request people to not drink or make and distribute them while he performed such songs.


 



4. Dhoka Nai Kamaida


Thanks to Sidhu Moose Wala for singing Amar Singh Chamkila's 'Dhoka Nai Kamanda' which breathed a new interest in the song and the orginal artist who sang it.


'Dhoka Nai Kamanda' talks about many things amid misunderstandings, heartbreak and disloyalty in friendship.


 



5. Pehli Lalkaar Naal


'Pehli Lalkaar Naal' is one of the most-well recognised Amar Singh Chamkila song that talks about drug abuse, alchoholism in a manner that blames his beloved for his indulgence in such vices.


Interestingly, Chamkila had a way of blending issues that prevailed in his society under the guise of love, forbidden relationships and repressed desires.


 



While this is not an exhaustive playlist, it's a start for anyone new to Amar Singh Chamkila and his music.