Who Killed Amar Singh Chamkila And Why? All You Need To Know About Punjabi Singer's Assassination

Amar Singh Chamkila, the renowned Punjabi singer and songwriter whose role Diljit Dosanjh is playing in the Imtiaz Ali movie, was killed along with his wife, Amarjot Kaur, in 1988.

Who Killed Amar Singh Chamkila?

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On March 8, 1988, motorcycle-mounted assailants armed with AK47s killed Amarjot and Chamkila. To this day, their killers remain unidentified, and the case remains unsolved. However, there are several theories about why they were killed.

Why was Amar Singh Chamkila murdered? Theories behind his assassination

1. Immoral lyrics

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In the 80s, when everyone was making songs about heroism and romance, Amar Singh Chamkila found his niche and made songs that were relatable and talked about the day-to-day problems of rural Punjab. His songs focused on drug abuse, alcoholism, extra-marital affairs and masculinity, and they were a hit among the youth. Was this the reason why Amar Singh Chamkila was killed?

One theory suggests that Chamkila's provocative and controversial lyrics, which often addressed social issues and taboos, had angered aa certain individuals or groups, leading to his assassination. Some believe that his outspokenness on sensitive topics might have provoked retaliation from conservative or extremist elements within society. For instance, one of his songs titled Baba Tera Nankana questions Baba Nanak on why he didn't bring Hindus and Muslims together on the same platform to teach them there wasn't any difference between them.

2. Professional rivalry

Amar Singh Chamkila's popularity was growing not only in Punjab but overseas as well. So much so, that he once did about 366 shows in 365 days. Chamkila and his wife Amarjot would together charge Rs 4,000 per performance, which as per today's value would be close to a million rupees.

As per this theory, Chamkila could have been murdered because of his personal enmity or professional rivalry. His popularity led to jealousy or resentment among his peers or competitors, resulting in his murder.

Also Read: Who Was Amarjot Kaur, Amar Singh Chamkila's Second Wife Who Did 366 Shows In 365 Days With Him?

3. Militancy period

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Another theory on why Amar Singh Chamkila was killed blamed the militancy period in the state. There was a state of unrest in the state. During that period, insurgency and the Khalistan movement were at their height in Punjab. Many Khalistani leaders opposed Chamkila's suggestive lyrics, and they would frequently threaten him and demand money under the guise of protection. He refused to give money to them.

Also Read: Amar Singh Chamkila's Children: What Are Amandeep Kaur, Kamaldeep Kaur And Jaiman Chamkila Up To?

Despite various speculations, the exact reason behind Amar Singh Chamkila's murder and the motive and perpetrators remain unknown. The case remains one of the most infamous unsolved mysteries in the history of Punjabi music.

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