AMAR SINGH CHAMKILA

Amar Singh Chamkila was born as Dunni Ram on July 21, 1961, in the village of Dugri near Ludhiana, Punjab, India. The youngest child of Kartar Kaur and Hari Singh, he was educated at Gujar Khan Primary School in Dugri. His aspiration to become an electrician was unfulfilled and he worked at a Ludhiana cloth mill. He learned to play the harmonium and dholki and won himself the opportunity to play alongside Punjabi folk artists. He was married and subsequently divorced. He had one son and one daughter. He adopted the name Amar Singh Chamkila. Chamkila in Punjabi means one that glitters. Chamkila wrote his lyrics, the majority of which were suggestive, titillating, and fluent, commentaries on extra-marital affairs, alcohol and drugs. Much of Chamkila’s success may be attributed to the fan base he acquired by performing in free, open-air concerts (akhade). Chamkila had mastered playing the tumbi, an instrument. His religious albums were huge hits and allowed him to be able to sing at religious functions and in front of women. He also recorded a music video for one of his songs for 'Doordarshan' channel, but after his death, his video was released. Chamkila and Amarjot recorded more than ninety songs before they were killed in Mesumpur, Punjab in 1988. At the time of his death, he reportedly had more than 200 songs that had not been sung or recorded. On arrival to perform in Mesumpur, Punjab, both Chamkila and Amarjot were gunned down as they exited their vehicle on March 8, 1988. No arrests were ever made in connection to the shooting and the case was never solved. The reason for the murder is still a mystery.