The 53rd International Emmy Awards 2025 witnessed a glamorous presence from Indian actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh, who made his debut nomination at the prestigious event. Nominated for his compelling performance in Imtiaz Ali’s ‘Amar Singh Chamkila,’ Diljit graced the red carpet alongside the acclaimed filmmaker and other luminaries. Despite his striking appearance in a shimmery suit jacket, crisp white shirt, black bow, and signature turban, the coveted Best Actor award was claimed by Spanish actor Oriol Pla for ‘Yo, adicto [I, Addict’]. Additionally, ‘Amar Singh Chamkila’ fell short in the Best TV Movie/Mini-Series category.
Diljit’s nomination marked a significant milestone for Indian cinema on the global stage, particularly for a film that celebrated the legacy of Punjab’s legendary folk singer Amar Singh Chamkila. Directed by Imtiaz Ali, the Netflix-released movie (April 2024) features Parineeti Chopra and is lauded for its live-recorded folk music and emotionally charged narrative. The film recounts the life of Chamkila, often dubbed the ‘Elvis of Punjab,’ whose bold songs and electrifying performances in the 1980s were tragically cut short by his untimely death in 1988.
This year’s Emmys saw Diljit competing against notable actors like David Mitchell (‘Ludwig’) and Diego Vasquez (‘One Hundred Years of Solitude’). While the award eluded him, his presence underscored the growing recognition of Indian talent internationally. Notably, Netflix’s ‘Delhi Crime’ and comedian Vir Das had previously brought home Emmys in 2020 and 2021, respectively, highlighting the platform’s role in showcasing Indian stories globally.