In a candid revelation, actor Meezaan Jafri has opened up about his persistent attempts to land a role in a film by acclaimed director Imtiaz Ali, including a detailed audition for the lead part in the recent biopic 'Amar Singh Chamkila'. The role ultimately went to Punjabi superstar Diljit Dosanjh, who later earned an International Emmy nomination for his powerful performance.
The Persistent Auditions for Imtiaz Ali
During a conversation on Varinder Chawla's podcast, Meezaan Jafri, who is the son of veteran actor and dancer Jaaved Jaaferi, shared insights into his journey in the competitive film industry. He disclosed that he has faced several auditions over the years with director Imtiaz Ali, known for cult classics like 'Jab We Met' and 'Rockstar'.
Meezaan's most memorable attempt was for the titular role in Ali's 2024 Netflix film, 'Amar Singh Chamkila', which depicts the life and tragic death of the iconic Punjabi singer. The actor went to great lengths to prepare, fully immersing himself in the character. "I auditioned for Chamkila," Meezaan recounted. "I did the full stache, wore the pagdi, and I even learnt one of Amar Singh Chamkila's songs in Punjabi." Despite his heartfelt effort, he acknowledged that the right actor was chosen for the right role.
Praise for Diljit Dosanjh's Emmy-Nominated Portrayal
Meezaan had nothing but admiration for the actor who eventually secured the part. He stated that Imtiaz Ali made a perfect choice in casting Diljit Dosanjh. "He (Diljit) knows the language, he knows the flavour; it's the world he comes from," Meezaan explained, highlighting the authenticity Diljit brought to the screen. He further praised Dosanjh's performance, saying, "Diljit sir has absolutely smashed it in the film, which is why he was nominated for an Emmy as well."
This praise is well-founded. At the 53rd International Emmy Awards, Diljit Dosanjh received a nomination in the Best Actor category for his raw and compelling portrayal of the folk legend. Although the award was won by Spanish performer Oriol Pla for 'Yo, Adicto', the nomination itself marked a significant international recognition for Indian cinema. The film 'Amar Singh Chamkila' was also in the running for Best TV Movie/Mini-Series but lost to 'Lost Boys and Fairies'.
Meezaan Jafri's Career Trajectory
While discussing the missed opportunity, Meezaan's own career path remains noteworthy. He made his acting debut in 2019 with the romantic drama 'Malaal', which was produced by the legendary Sanjay Leela Bhansali. In the film, he played the lead role of Shiva Morey opposite debutante Sharmin Segal.
His connection with Bhansali runs deeper, as he had previously worked behind the scenes as an assistant director on several of the filmmaker's projects before stepping in front of the camera. Following his debut, Meezaan has appeared in films like 'Hungama 2' and 'Yaariyan 2', steadily building his filmography.
Meezaan's story is a testament to the resilience required in Bollywood. His experience with the 'Chamkila' audition underscores a common narrative in the industry: actors often face numerous rejections before finding their perfect fit. His gracious acceptance of the outcome and public appreciation for Diljit's work reflects a professional maturity. As Diljit Dosanjh continues to earn global accolades, Meezaan Jafri's journey of dedication and patience in the film industry continues to unfold.
