Amar Singh Chamkila: Killers Dance and Leave Letter After Murder. Secretary Recounts Gruesome Details
In 1988, the tragic murder of Punjabi singer Amar Singh Chamkila and his wife, Amarjot. Shook the region of Mehsampur, Punjab.
Imtiaz Ali’s latest film, “Amar Singh Chamkila,” has brought renewed attention to the details surrounding the gruesome murder of the renowned Punjabi singer and his spouse in 1988. In a recent interview, Manku, Chamkila’s former secretary, recounted the events of that fateful day.
Speaking to Cine Punjabi, Manku disclosed that Chamkila had been paid Rs 8000 for his final performance. Recollecting the moments leading up to the tragedy, Manku mentioned that Chamkila and Amarjot. Had expressed a desire to have a meal before their show. Consequently, he left them to dine while he inspected the stage’s arrangements. Upon confirming everything was in order, Manku called Chamkila and Amarjot, inviting them to join him, stating, “Everything’s ready, come on.”
Amar Singh Chamkila: Killers Dance and Leave Letter After Murder. Secretary Recounts Gruesome Details
Manku described the chilling sequence of events, noting that the assailants were among the crowd. Despite ample opportunities to strike earlier, they waited until Chamkila’s grand arrival in his car, creating a dramatic scene reminiscent of a movie. Manku exclaimed, “Put your hands together, Chamkila is here!” before gunfire erupted, tragically cutting short Chamkila’s life.
In the aftermath, Manku witnessed Chamkila’s lifeless body near the car, prompting him to leap off the stage in shock. He recounted the chilling sight of the killers performing bhangra after the murder and leaving a blood-soaked letter on Chamkila’s chest.
“One person next to me described what she saw; I was too scared to look out. She said, ‘There are three men, they’re doing the bhangra. They’ve kept a letter on Chamkila’s chest.’ I saw that letter later, I read it. It was drenched in blood. They left on scooters. I picked up the bodies myself,” Manku shared.
Imtiaz Ali’s film “Amar Singh Chamkila,” starring Diljit Dosanjh and Parineeti Chopra, retells this tragic tale and is currently available for streaming on Netflix.