Punjabi superstar Diljit Dosanjh has created history by bagging his first-ever International Emmy Award nomination. The actor-singer has been recognized in the Best Performance by an Actor category for his portrayal of folk legend Amar Singh Chamkila in Imtiaz Ali’s Netflix biographical drama. Adding to the celebrations, the film itself has also received a nod in the Best TV Movie/Mini-Series category, making it a double win for Indian cinema on the global stage.
Global Recognition for a Powerful Performance
The nominations for the 53rd International Emmy Awards were announced on September 25, 2025, placing Dosanjh among world-class actors such as David Mitchell (Ludwig), Oriol Pla (Yo, Adicto), and Diego Vasquez (One Hundred Years of Solitude).
Dosanjh’s performance has been widely praised for its authenticity. He steps into the shoes of Chamkila, often called the “Elvis of Punjab,” who rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most influential yet controversial figures in Punjabi music during the 1980s. The film traces his rise from a Dalit Sikh background and factory work to superstardom with provocative, socially charged lyrics, before his tragic assassination at just 27.
Imtiaz Ali on the Nomination
Director Imtiaz Ali, speaking to NDTV after the announcement, expressed pride in the recognition:
“I would like to congratulate the entire team of Chamkila, and also the people of Punjab, who contributed to this film. It is very much a film of that land. I congratulate Diljit Dosanjh twice over.”
A Milestone for Indian and Regional Cinema
The nominations highlight a turning point for Indian regional cinema in the global space. Indian stories rooted in local culture are finding resonance with international audiences, largely thanks to the reach of platforms like Netflix.
India has been steadily carving its space at the International Emmys. In 2020, Netflix’s Delhi Crime won Best Drama Series, and in 2021, comedian Vir Das bagged an award for Vir Das: For India. More recently, Disney+ Hotstar’s The Night Manager was nominated in 2024, though it lost to France’s Les Gouttes de Dieu.
Chamkila’s Enduring Impact
Beyond the awards, Amar Singh Chamkila stands out for its cultural depth. The film stars Parineeti Chopra as Amarjot, Chamkila’s wife and singing partner, and features a soundtrack composed by A.R. Rahman, including live-recorded Punjabi folk music that has been praised for its raw authenticity.
The recognition of Dosanjh’s performance and the film’s storytelling signals a growing appetite for biographical dramas and culturally specific narratives worldwide. It also opens doors for more regional Indian stories to gain international attention.
The winners of the 53rd International Emmy Awards will be announced on November 24, 2025, in New York City. Whether or not Dosanjh takes home the trophy, his nomination itself marks a historic moment for Punjabi cinema and Indian entertainment at large.
