Amar Singh Chamkila at Emmys 2025: Diljit Dosanjh Didn’t Win, But Won Our Hearts!

Grab a cup of Coffee and sit down, because we need to talk about a moment that has made every Indian and especially every Punjabi swell with pride, even if we didn't bring home the trophy.

You might have heard the buzz: Amar Singh Chamkila, the masterpiece by Imtiaz Ali, went all the way to New York for the 53rd International Emmy Awards 2025. Yes, the story of Punjab's "Elvis" was shining on a global stage! While the film didn't win the final award, just being there is a victory in itself.

Let’s break down exactly what happened, who won, and why this is still a massive win for Indian cinema.

Did Amar Singh Chamkila Win an Emmy?

The short answer is: No. But hold on, don't get disheartened.

The ceremony took place on Monday, November 24, 2025, in New York City. Amar Singh Chamkila was the only Indian film to secure a nomination this year, which is like making it to the finals of the World Cup—a huge achievement!

The movie was fighting for the top spot in two major categories. Here is the scorecard:

1. Best Performance by an Actor:

   • Our Hero: Diljit Dosanjh (for his role as Chamkila).

   • The Winner: Oriol Pla from Spain (for the show Yo, adicto or I, Addict).

   • Note: The competition was tough! Oriol Pla played a recovering drug addict, a role that critics loved for its raw emotion.

2. Best TV Movie/Mini-Series:

   • Our Nomination: Amar Singh Chamkila.

   • The Winner: Lost Boys and Fairies (a British drama from the UK).

Why India Should Still Be Proud

Think about this: A story about a local singer from a village in Punjab, who used to work in a sock factory, just walked the red carpet in New York alongside the world’s biggest stars.

• Global Recognition: Netflix India took a "desi" story and made it global. It proves that you don't need to copy Hollywood to be noticed; you just need to be authentic.

• The "Namaste" Moment: Diljit Dosanjh, being the absolute legend he is, greeted the international paparazzi with a folded-hand Namaste on the red carpet. That image alone is worth an award!

• The Dream Team: Director Imtiaz Ali and producer Mohit Choudhary were there representing us. Imtiaz spoke beautifully about how Chamkila wasn’t singing for money or fame, but for the sheer love of performing—a true artist.

For Those Who Haven't Seen It Yet: What’s the Hype?

If you are one of the few who hasn't watched it on Netflix yet, you are missing out!

• The Story: It’s a biopic of Amar Singh Chamkila, the legendary Punjabi singer who was assassinated at the young age of 27.

• The Music: The magic of A.R. Rahman meets the lyrics of Irshad Kamil. Songs like "Ishq Mitaye" and "Naram Kaalja" are absolute gems.

• The Acting: Diljit Dosanjh lives the character. He isn't acting; he is Chamkila. And Parineeti Chopra, playing his wife Amarjot, delivers a silent but powerful performance.

Final Thoughts: A Step Forward

In cricket, sometimes you play a brilliant innings but still lose the match. Does that mean the innings wasn't great? Absolutely not.

Amar Singh Chamkila losing to a British or Spanish show doesn't take away from its brilliance. It has opened a door. Next year, maybe two Indian films will be there. And soon, we will bring that Emmy home. Until then, let's keep streaming and supporting good cinema!

Aapke Sawal, Hamare Jawab! (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. Did Diljit Dosanjh win the Best Actor award at the Emmys 2025? No, Diljit Dosanjh was nominated but did not win. The award went to Spanish actor Oriol Pla for his role in the series Yo, adicto.

2. Which movie beat Amar Singh Chamkila at the International Emmys? In the Best TV Movie/Mini-Series category, the British show Lost Boys and Fairies won the award, edging out Amar Singh Chamkila.

3. Where can I watch Amar Singh Chamkila online? You can watch the movie exclusively on Netflix. It was released globally in April 2024 and is available in Hindi with subtitles.

4. Is Amar Singh Chamkila a true story? Yes, absolutely. The film is a biographical drama based on the real life of controversial and beloved Punjabi singer Amar Singh Chamkila and his wife Amarjot Kaur, who were killed in 1988.