The Untold Story of Ammy Virk’s Path to Success in Music and Film
Born in Patiala's Nabha, Amrinder Singh Virk, popularly known as Ammy Virk, has crafted a remarkable narrative of success and resilience. Emerging from a small village in Punjab, his ascent to the echelons of fame and stardom is both inspiring and captivating. Despite his roots in a non-entertainment background and his deep connection to Punjabi culture and traditions, Virk was resolute in his pursuit of a career in the arts, supported unwaveringly by his family.
Virk's early life was marked by a blend of academic diligence and artistic inclination. His parents, like many middle-class Indian families, envisioned a conventional career path for him, which led him to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology from Punjab University, Patiala. However, his genuine passion for music and the arts became evident through his active participation in various cultural events during his school and college years. These formative experiences, coupled with his exposure to Punjabi folk music and theatre, laid the groundwork for his future in the entertainment industry.
His journey was not without its hurdles. Initially, his parents harboured reservations about his unconventional career choice. Yet, through his determination and burgeoning success, Virk gradually won their support, which has since been a cornerstone of his career. His deep-seated connection with his parents is palpable in his interviews and songs, where he frequently credits them for his achievements.
At the age of 32, Ammy Virk stands as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, balancing a thriving career with a private family life. Married and a father, he prefers to keep his family out of the public eye, although he frequently discusses the importance of family in maintaining his grounding amid his busy schedule. This family-oriented ethos reflects his simple lifestyle and steadfast connection to his roots.
Virk's entry into the film industry was marked by impressive performances in his debut roles. He first gained attention in the music industry with his debut single "Chandigarh Diya Kudiyan" in 2012. The song's success, driven by his unique vocal quality and charismatic presence, garnered him a substantial following among the youth. Subsequent hits like "Yaar Amli," "Jatt Da Sahara," and "Haan Kargi" further cemented his reputation.
The pivotal moment in Virk's career came with the release of his 2013 track "Qismat," which achieved tremendous success both in Punjab and among the Punjabi diaspora globally. This track was a significant turning point, establishing him as a serious artist in the Punjabi music scene. His subsequent releases, including "Haan Kargi," "Zindabad Yaarian," "Hath Chumme," and "Kalli Ho Gayi," consistently resonated with audiences through their soulful lyrics and engaging melodies.
In 2015, Virk made his film debut with 'Angrej,' a period drama set in pre-partition Punjab. His portrayal of Haakam was met with critical acclaim, earning him the Best Debutant award at the PTC Punjabi Film Awards. This success was followed by a series of hits, including the sequel of 'Nikka Zaildaar,' 'Bambukat' (2017), and 'Harjeeta' (2018), where he played the role of a hockey player undergoing a physical transformation for the role. These performances underscored his versatility and commitment to his craft.
Virk's foray into Bollywood began with the 2021 film 'Bhuj: The Pride of India,' where he played a pilot. Although the film received mixed reviews, his performance was noted for its excellence. This was followed by his role as the legendary cricketer Balwinder Singh Sandhu in '83' (2021), a film chronicling India's historic 1983 Cricket World Cup victory, directed by Kabir Khan.
Despite the challenges faced by some of his Bollywood ventures, such as the mixed reception of 'Khel Khel Mein,' Virk remains enthusiastic about his Bollywood career. His latest projects, including 'Bad News' alongside Vicky Kaushal and Tripti Dimri, have seen notable box office success, and his continued involvement in music with tracks like 'Layers' (2023) and contributions to films like 'Carry on Jatta 3' demonstrate his enduring versatility.
Written By- Harshita Kalra
- PTC PUNJABI