The Diljit Dosanjh starrer Netflix biopic Amar Singh Chamkila was released to rave reviews of fans and critics alike. Fans praised the story, Imtiaz Ali’s direction and the stellar performances of Diljit, Parineeti Chopra and the rest of the cast. However, what captured the fans’ heart the most was the soulful soundtrack masterfully composed by A.R. Rehman. In particular, the track titled 'Vida Karo’ captivated the audience with its soulful lyrics and melancholic tune. The song is inspired by the equally beautiful poem of legendary Punjabi poet, Shiv Kumar Batalvi. But the question arises, what is the connection between the late singer Chamkila and poet Batalvi? Here is what we know:
Irshad Kamil penned the lyrics, inspired by Shiv Kumar Batalvi’s poem of the same name. Imtiaz Ali has used Batalvi’s masterpieces for his movies prior to this one as well. Ali’s 2009 film Love, Aaj Kal’s popular song ‘Aaj din Chadeya’ is also inspired by Batalvi’s poem of the same name. Not only this, Diljit Dosanjh starrer Udta Punjab’s ‘Ik Kudi’ was also inspired by Batalvi’s beautiful Punjabi poem.
Arijit Singh and Jonita Gandhi have gave their soulful voices to the track. The song comes in the background at the end when both Chamkila (played by Diljit Dosanjh) and Amarjot (played by Parineeti Chopra) are shot dead. The song is a poignant farewell for the two singers who were assassinated for doing what they loved the most, who faced societal judgement for their music. The song aptly describes the judgement Chamkila faced all his life and now as he leaves the earth, he calls out the world for their biases towards him. It's a powerful acceptance of his fate, a final call out against prejudice.
Talking about the similarities between the singer and the poet, both the artists lost their lives while they were still relatively young. While Chamkila was shot dead in Mehsampura at the age of 28, Batalvi died in his home after developing liver cirrhosis aged 36.
More about Shiv Kumar Batalvi:
Born in pre-partition Punjab in 1936, Batalvi was a poet, writer, and playwright of Punjabi literature. Batalvi is best known for his romantic poetry, characterised by its passionate intensity, and the pain of unrequited love. He earned the title ‘Birha Da Sultan’ (The King of Yearning) for his ability to capture the depths of longing and separation.
Batalvi wasn't limited to romance, his play, ‘Loona,’ based on an ancient Punjabi legend established him as a versatile writer. He became the youngest recipient of the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1967, given by the Sahitya Akademi (India's National Academy of Letters) for Loona. His work also mirrored societal issues and human relationships. Batalvi died at the age of 36.