When Imtiaz Ali signed Diljit Dosanjh for Amar Singh Chamkila, the director felt he was not a big star as he had not participated in Coachella.
Diljit Dosanjh has risen to become a global sensation with admirers all over the world. Not only has he dominated the music industry, but he has also showcased his talent as an actor in Punjabi and Hindi films. Earlier this year, he starred alongside Parineeti Chopra in Imtiaz Ali’s film, Amar Singh Chamkila, which was a box office success. In an interview, the filmmaker revealed that when he initially cast Diljit for the lead role, he was not as popular as he is now.
In a conversation with Mid-Day India on YouTube, Imtiaz Ali discussed Diljit Dosanjh and his rise to fame after starring in Amar Singh Chamkila. Ali mentioned that when they started working on the film, Diljit was not a big star. “He had not even done Coachella when we signed him,” Ali said, noting that his fame rose simultaneously with the film.
Ali also highlighted the fluctuating market value of an actor between the time of casting and the film’s release. Diljit went from being a relatively unknown actor to a huge star, surprising many in the Hindi film industry. Despite initial doubts, Ali recognized Diljit’s talent as an actor and a Punjabi pop star, citing his performances in Udta Punjab and Phillauri.
In an exclusive interview with Pinkvilla, Imtiaz Ali admitted that he was unsure about casting Diljit initially. However, after speaking to him, Ali was convinced that Diljit was the right choice for the role, leading to the success of Amar Singh Chamkila and a revival of Ali’s career.
Amar Singh Chamkila was a massive hit, with audiences praising it as Imtiaz Ali’s comeback.
ALSO READ: EXCLUSIVE: Imtiaz Ali admits to not being sure of Diljit Dosanjh for Amar Singh Chamkila initially; reveals reason behind OTT release