Amar Singh Chamkila joined the 27 club on March 08, 1988. The cause of death is recorded as: Murdered
Amar Singh Chamkila, born as Dhanni Ram on July 21, 1960, in the village of Dugri near Ludhiana, Punjab, India, was an influential Indian singer and musician renowned for his contributions to Punjabi music. Despite his early aspirations of becoming an electrician remaining unfulfilled, Chamkila discovered a natural aptitude for music and learned to play the harmonium and dholki. His life took a significant turn when he approached Surinder Shinda in 1979 and showcased his vocal talents, leading him to become Shinda's protégé and collaborator.
Chamkila's vibrant language, high-pitched vocals, and novel compositions accompanied by the tumbi made him a popular figure in Punjabi music. His lyrics, which were often boyish and suggestive, provided fluent commentaries on themes of extramarital affairs, alcohol, and drug use. Chamkila first gained recognition through his partnership with female vocalist Surinder Sonia, with whom he recorded eight duets and released the album "Takue Te Takua" in 1980. This album featured cunningly worded lyrics that became hits across Punjab and contributed to their growing popularity not only within India but also among Punjabis abroad.
At the height of his career, Chamkila had performed an impressive 366 shows in just 365 days. He was reportedly receiving more bookings than his contemporaries and had amassed a large fan base both domestically and internationally. In 1980, Chamkila decided to form his own group after feeling underpaid by Sonia's manager and established short-lived partnerships with various artists.
Tragically, on March 8, 1988, at around 2 PM, while en route to perform in Mehsampur, Punjab, Chamkila and his wife Amarjot were gunned down by a gang of motorcyclists. Despite several theories, including the involvement of Sikh militants, no arrests were ever made in connection with the shooting, leaving the case unsolved to this day. Chamkila's close friend and lyricist Swarn Sivia later revealed that three Khalistani militant organizations targeted Chamkila due to his controversial songs. Sivia acted as a mediator and arranged a meeting between Chamkila and a delegation of five Khalistani leaders at Darbar Sahib Amritsar, where Chamkila apologized and vowed to change the content of his music.
Chamkila's legacy extends beyond his tragic death, as he left behind an impressive body of work that continues to inspire generations of Punjabi musicians. His innovative use of language, high-pitched vocals, and unique compositions have influenced countless artists, making him a true icon in the realm of Punjabi music. Despite the circumstances surrounding his death, Chamkila's music remains a testament to his talent and enduring influence on the genre.