Anjum Batra: “You look exactly like your dad,” Tikki’s daughter said

It’s almost impossible for a movie enthusiast to have spent the weekend without seeing or at least hearing about Amar Singh Chamkila. The public is introduced to Chamkila in Imtiaz Ali’s film, which stars Diljit Dosanjh. Chamkila had a brief but brilliant career that saw him take Punjab by storm with his songs.

The biopic is receiving positive reviews, but according to Anjum Batra, who has taken on the role of Kesar Singh Tikki, Chamkila’s closest friend and musician, Tikki’s daughter has given the finest critique. “January 2024 marked Tippi’s passing.

I’m sorry that the film’s production prevented me from meeting him. However, three days ago, after seeing the movie, his daughter emailed me and said, “You look just like my dad.” I’ll be seeing the family shortly; they’ve asked me to their Ludhiana house. Additionally, they sent me old photos of Chamkila ji and Tikki sir, adds Batra.

In March 1988, Chamkila and his singer-wife, Amarjot, were shot and killed. The movie concludes with Tikki thinking the musician was slain by his curse. Batra related to that line. “I worked on superficial things like weight gain and matching the look before the film started.” Tikki Ji and Imtiaz Sir had exchanged words. He thus understood just how the role needed to be performed.

With the sort of filmmaker he is, you have so much material at your disposal that you know exactly who you have to portray and the performance flows naturally as the camera pans. Highlight number two was working alongside Dosanjh, whom he refers to as “mazedaar.”

This is Batra’s second 2024 triumph, after Maamla Legal Hai. After a lengthy road, the actor, who starred in Crime Patrol and 83 (2021), finds that success is even sweeter. Actors are desperate for affection and approval. It has taken me about 15 years to reach this recognition-seeking stage.