Mumbai, Sep 27 (NationPress) – Imtiaz Ali's "Amar Singh Chamkila", a musical biopic centered on the life of the renowned Punjabi folk artist, has received two nominations at the International Emmy Awards, highlighting Indian cinema's presence on the global stage once more.

While this recognition is celebrated, Ali pondered a larger question: Does the Indian film industry continue to search for validation from the West, and is there a lingering colonial influence?

Addressing this issue, Ali acknowledged that, although international accolades are uplifting, the genuine validation comes from the audience at home.

In a discussion with IANS, Imtiaz Ali remarked, “I’m not sure if it’s colonial. International recognition is always a privilege for any nation. For us, it’s a unique achievement, but it’s not our primary focus. The audience we made the film for are first and foremost Indian, and their recognition is of paramount importance. If it gains international recognition, that’s just icing on the cake.”

Monika Shergill, Vice President of Content at Netflix India, shared Ali’s views, likening it to the pride found in sports: “It’s like sports; you aim to win when representing your country. My colleagues from various markets want their stories and films to find success in India. There’s joy in seeing your culture’s narratives resonate and entertain a wider audience.”

With Chamkila's nomination, the tale of an artist who shaped the Punjab grassroots music scene in the 1980s has reached an international platform. For Ali, while accolades hold significance, the essence of filmmaking lies in connecting with Indian viewers first.