Amninderpal Singh Virk, better known as Ammy Virk, is an Indian singer, actor and producer associated with Punjabi Music and subsequently in Punjabi and Hindi films.[2] He started the production house Villagers Film Studio and a distribution company In House Group. He is best known for playing the role of Nikka in Nikka Zaildar series, Shivjit in Qismat & Qismat 2, Harjeet Singh in Harjeeta, and Haakam in Angrej.
Ammy Virk | |
|---|---|
 Virk in 2019 | |
| Born | Amninderpal Singh Virk 11 May 1992 |
| Education | M.Sc Biotechnology[1] |
| Occupations |
|
| Years active | 2011–present |
| Musical career | |
| Labels | |
| Website | Ammy Virk on Facebook |
He started his acting career playing Hakam in the historical romance Punjabi film Angrej (2015) for which he won the Best Debut Actor Award at PTC Punjabi Film Awards.[3] Also, he had starred in other films including Bambukat, Ardaas, Nikka Zaildar, Laung Laachi and Qismat. Gurnaaz Kaur of The Tribune described Virk as Nikka as one of the most loved characters of Punjabi cinema.[4] He is known for his Patiala-Shahi turban.[5] His films Angrej and Qismat are two of the highest grossing Punjabi films of all time.[6] He made his Bollywood debut with film Bhuj The Pride Of India (2021) directed by Abhishek Dudhaiya.
Ammy is married and has a daughter but he prefers to keep his family life private.
Early life
editBorn as Amninderpal Singh Virk on 11 May 1992 to a Sikh Jat family in the village of Lohar Majra in Nabha, Patiala. He did a BSc in Biotechnology at the Punjabi University in Patiala. In an interview with The Tribune he said, "It was my mother who told me that I should try singing. I have learned it. I am a singer because of my mother and I love her for having faith in me."[1]
Acting career
editSuccess in Punjabi cinema (2015-2020)
editVirk started his film career with Angrej produced by Rhythm Boyz Entertainment and released in 2015. He played the role of Haakam which shows a negative role. Jasmine Singh of The Tribune said, “Angrej is also the ground for singer Ammy Virk, who opens his innings here. If it were just looks, the singer gets a five on five; as far as dialogue delivery goes, there is more work that needs to be done. All the same, he makes his character look and sound real.”[7] Also, he won Best Debut Actor Award at PTC Punjabi Film Awards for his role in the film.[8]
In 2016, his second film Ardaas directed by Gippy Grewal was released. In the film he played the supporting role of Agyapal Singh(Aasi). Divya Pal of News18 said, “It is interesting to see how the film’s supporting actors serve up strong performances. Ammy Virk is suitably striking as Aasi [...]”[9] Uttam of Punjabi Teshan said, “[...] Ammy Virk has improved so much, he acted like a good theatre artist. [...]”[10] Later in July, his film Bambukat was released being his second collaboration with Rhythm Boyz Entertainment. The film was directed by Pankaj Batra and was Virk's first film as a lead Actor. Gurlove Singh of BookMyShow said, "Ammy Virk is a revelation. He has proven that he chooses his scripts carefully. [...] he packs a solid punch in Bambukat. He has definitely grown as an actor. He is exceptional in the emotional scenes. [...] your heart goes out to Channan, and that’s only because of Ammy Virk’s effective portrayal."[11] He won Best Actor Award at PTC Punjabi Film Awards shared with Amrinder Gill for his role of "Channan Singh" in the film[12] and Best Actor Critics Award at Filmfare Awards Punjabi shared with Gurpreet Ghuggi.[13] In September, he starred in Nikka Zaildar as Nikka.
In 2017, he started with playing a special appearance in the Tarsem Jassar's starrer Rabb Da Radio song "Akh Boldi". In May, his thriller film Saab Bahadar was released. Jasmine Singh of The Tribune, said "Now, it’s time for the Saab Bahadur to come in- Punjabi singer-actor Ammy Virk plays the real cop, the Saab Bahadur in the film [...] he nails it this time too."[14] Gurlove Singh of BookMyShow said, "There’s no denying the fact that Ammy Virk is the heart and soul of Saab Bahadar. He is portraying the titular role and has introduced us to a new brand of a cop with his spellbinding performance. He enacts his character with earnestness and authenticity. He is brilliant in every frame and charges assertively throughout the film. His portrayal of Saab Bahadar stamps the fact that he is one of the most sought-after actors in the Punjabi film industry these days."[15] The film was critically praised but commercially it was not that good.
You can't experiment much. If you make an experimental film in Punjab, then I don't think it will work right now as the market is not that big. If the market grows, then more types of genres like action and suspense can also do well.[16]
-Ammy Virk
In September 2017, his film Nikka Zaildar 2 sequel to Nikka Zaildar was released. The film was set in a bygone era and upon its release was announced HIT by Box Office India.[17] Jasmine Singh of The Tribune said, "Actor-singer Ammy Virk melts into his character, just like he did in Nikka Zaildar. With a line of hits to his credit, Ammy is only growing as an artist. He has banged on comic timing, and the same can be said about his emotional scenes."[18] Later, in December Sat Shri Akaal England was released. In the film, Virk played the role of Major German Singh Mann. The film was not critically and commercially successful but Virk's performance was appreciated. Manjit Singh of Santa Banta said, "Ammy is a natural actor who doesn't require much effort to bring out his best."[19]
In 2018, he started Laung Laachi with a negative supporting role of Ajaypal Singh. The film was written and directed by Amberdeep Singh also starred in the film as a lead Actor. The film was commercially successful and also one of highest grossing Punjabi films of 2018. Later, in May Harjeeta was released. The film was based on Harjeet Singh a hockey player who served as captain for Indian Hockey Team and won World Cup. Jasmine Singh of The Tribune praising his performance said, "It is hard not to notice the actor’s hard work, whether it is adopting the real Tuli’s young looks, his mannerism and his style. Ammy delivers an award winning performance. Ammy has taken to the character like chalk and cheese."[20]
In September, Qismat was released. The film was named after a song sung by himself only because of the similarity in the lead cast, crew and emotions.[21] The film was written and directed by Jagdeep Sidhu. In the film, Virk played the role of Shivjit Singh Gill opposite to Sargun Mehta in the film. Gurlove Singh of BookMyShow said, "Qismat belongs to Ammy Virk and Sargun Mehta. They are the heart and soul of the movie. They both give equally good, well-balanced and superlative performances. You cannot help but fall in love with their on-screen chemistry. They make you smile and cry several times in those two hours. It’s hard to believe anyone else portraying Shivjit and Bani’s roles."[22] Jasmine Singh of The Tribune also praised the lead cast, saying, “Ammy Virk and Sargun Mehta share strong onscreen chemistry. Ammy makes every word he says achievable in real life. He is one effortless actor who can make the audiences laugh, cry and now, believe in true love.”[23]
In 2019, his films Muklawa and Nikka Zaildar 3 were released. In Muklawa he co-starred with Sonam Bajwa for the third time after Nikka Zaildar and Nikka Zaildar 2. Actress Rose Sardana also starred in Muklawa for the first time with Ammy Virk. In the same year his Chhalle Mundiyaan was released, as was Guddiyan Patole starring Gurnam Bhullar on the other hand produced by him.
Expansion into Bollywood (2021-present)
editIn 2021, he made his Bollywood debut in Bhuj: The Pride of India where he played the role of a fighter pilot.[24][25] He also featured in another Bollywood film 83 directed by Kabir Khan. The film is based on the life of Indian cricket player Kapil Dev. Virk played the role of fast bowler Balwinder Sandhu.[26][27][28] Virk appeared in the music video of the song Filhaal 2 by B praak.[29]
Filmography
editFilms
edit| † | Denotes films that have not yet been released |
| Year | Film | Role | Notes | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Angrej | Haakam | ||
| 2016 | Ardaas | Agyapal Singh | ||
| Bambukat | Channan Singh | |||
| Nikka Zaildar | Nikka/Yadwinder | |||
| Dil Wali Gal | Ammy | Short film[30][31] | ||
| 2017 | Rabb Da Radio | Singer | Special appearance in the song "Akh Boldi" | |
| Saab Bahadar | Kuldeep Singh/Saab Bahadar | |||
| Nikka Zaildar 2 | Nikka | |||
| Sat Shri Akaal England | Major German Singh Mann | |||
| 2018 | Laung Laachi | Ajaypalq | Also producer | |
| Harjeeta | Harjeet Singh | |||
| Qismat | Shivjit Singh Gill | |||
| Aate Di Chidi | Singer | Special appearance in the song "Muchh" | ||
| 2019 | Muklawa | Shinda | ||
| Nikka Zaildar 3 | Nikka Zaildar | [32] | ||
| 2020 | Sufna | Jagjeet | ||
| 2021 | Puaada | Jaggi | [33][34] | |
| Bhuj: The Pride of India | Flight Lieutenant Vikram Singh Baj Jethaaz | Hindi film; Released on Disney Hotstar[35] | ||
| Qismat 2 | Shivjit Singh | |||
| 83[26] | Balwinder Sandhu | Hindi film | ||
| 2022 | Aaja Mexico Challiye | Pamma | Also producer[36] | |
| Lekh | Maninder | Special appearance | ||
| Saunkan Saunkne | Nirmal Singh | [37] | ||
| Sher Bagga | Dilsher Singh | Also producer[38] | ||
| Baajre Da Sitta | Roop's husband | Also producer | ||
| Laung Laachi 2 | Ajaypal | |||
| Oye Makhna | Makhan Virk | Also producer | ||
| 2023 | Annhi Dea Mazaak Ae | Raja | ||
| Phir Mel Karade Rabba | Nirmal Singh | Special Appearance | ||
| Maurh | Jeona Maurh | |||
| Gaddi Jaandi Ae Chalaangaan Maardi | Happy | |||
| 2024 | Kudi Haryane Val Di | Shivjot | ||
| Bad Newz | Gurbir Pannu | Hindi film | [39] | |
| Khel Khel Mein | Harpreet Singh Sandhu | Hindi film | [40] | |
| Arjantina † | TBA | Also producer | ||
| Dilaa Mereya † | ||||
| Jugni 1907 † |
As producer
edit- Guddiyan Patole (2019)
Discography
editStudio albums
edit| Year | Album | Record Label | Music | Tracks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Chandigarh Diyan Kudian | Speed Records | Bhinda Auijla | 7 |
| 2013 | Jattizm | Lokdhun Punjabi | Gupz Sehra | 12 |
Singles
edit| Year | Song | Lyrics | Music | Label | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Ikk Pal | Lavi Nagpal | Gupz Sehra | Mv Records | From Album "Jattizm" |
| 2014 | Bullet vs Chammak Challo | Lalli Saggo | Gupz Sehra | ||
| 2015 | Zindabaad Yaarian | Maninder Turke | Gupz Sehra | ||
| Taara | Jaani | B Praak | Sony Music India | ||
| 2016 | Haan Kargi | Amrit Maan | Gupz Sehra | Mv Records | |
| Surma To Sandals | Jaani | B Praak | T-Series | Featuring B Praak | |
| Hassian Khedian | Balli Baljit | Mr.Wow | Speed Records | ||
| 2017 | Akh Teri Baaz Wargi | Tarseem Jassar | R Guru | White Hill Music | |
| Qismat | Jaani | B Praak | Speed Records | Featuring Sargun Mehta | |
| "Skid" | Desi Dark Child | Coffin Studios | |||
| 2018 | Hath Chumme[41] | Jaani | B Praak | Desi Melodies | Featuring B Praak |
| Double Cross | Happy Raikoti | Ikwinder Singh (ikky) | Speed Records | ||
| Background | Babbu | Mix Singh | Speed Records | ||
| 2019 | Mitraa | Simar Doraha | Jatinder Shah | Speed Records | |
| Wang Da Naap | Harmanjeet | Gurmeet Singh | White Hill Music | Promotional Track from "Muklawa" | |
| Haaye Ve | Raj Fatehpur | Sunny Vik | I Just Music | Produced By Jacky Bhagnani | |
| 2020 | Tod Da-e-Dil | Maninder Buttar | Avvy Sra | Desi Melodies | |
| Main suneya | Raj Fatehpur | Sunny Vik | T-Series | ||
| Regret | Simar Doraha | Goldboy | Speed Records | ||
| Taare Baliye | Happy Raikoti | Avvy Sra | Burfi Music | Debut as Producer Featuring Sargun Mehta | |
| 2021 | Khabbi Seat | Happy Raikoti | Mix Singh | Burfi Music | Featuring Sweetaj Brar and has passed 100M views on YouTube. |
| Kade Kade | Happy Raikoti | Avvy Sra | T-Series | Featuring Wamiqa Gabbi | |
| Pyaar Di Kahani | Raj Fatehpur | Sunny Vik | Saregama | ||
| Dabde Ni | Mani Longia | Starboy Music X | Burfi Music | ||
| 2022 | Teri Jatti | Mani Longia | Sync | Burfi Music | Featuring Tania |
As featured artist
edit| Year | Title | Singer | Lyrics | Record Label | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Behja Behja | The Landers | Mani Longia | Burfi Music | [42] |
Film soundtrack
editPunjabi
edit| Year | Song | Film |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Tappe | Angrej |
| 2016 | "Kawa Wali Panchait" | Ardaas |
| Nain | ||
| Badla Lena | Dulla Bhatti | |
| Kainthe Wala | Bambukat | |
| Rakhi Soneya Ve | ||
| Bambukat | ||
| Mini Cooper | Nikka Zaildar | |
| Lagdi Na Akh | ||
| 2017 | Record Bolde | Jugni Hath Kise Na Auni |
| Akh Boldi | Rabb Da Radio | |
| Kali Jotta | Nikka Zaildar 2 | |
| Gaani | ||
| Vekh Ke Hasdi | Manje Bistre | |
| Sindhoori | Bailaras | |
| Jatt Da Kalej | Sat Shri Akaal England | |
| 2018 | Radio | Laung Laachi |
| Pasand Jatt Di | Qismat | |
| Gallan Teriyan | ||
| Akhiyaan Naar Diyan | ||
| 2020 | Jaan Deyan Ge | Sufna |
| 2021 | Aaye Haye Jattiye | Puaada |
| Teri Akhiyan | Qismat 2 | |
| 2022 | Sirnawa | Bajre Da Sitta |
Hindi
edit| Year | Song | Film | Composer(s) | Lyrics | Co-singer(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | "Daryaa" | Manmarziyaan | Amit Trivedi | Shellee | Shahid Mallya |
| 2024 | "Qismat Badal Di" | Yodha | B Praak, Aditya Dev | Jaani | B Praak |
| "Haule Sajna" | Bad Newz | Rochak Kohli | Gurpreet Saini, Gautam G Sharma | Solo |
Awards and nominations
edit| Year | Film | Award ceremony | Category | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Angrej | PTC Punjabi Film Awards | Best Debut Actor | Won | |
| 2017 | Bambukat | Best Playback Singer (male) | Nominated | ||
| Best Actor | Won(shared with Amrinder Gill) | ||||
| Filmfare Awards Punjabi | Best Actor (critics) | Won | |||
| Best Actor | Nominated | ||||
| Nikka Zaildar | Best Playback Singer (male) | Nominated | |||
| 2018 | Nikka Zaildar 2 | PTC Punjabi Film Awards | Best Playback Singer (male) | Won | |
| Best Actor | Nominated | ||||
| Filmfare Awards Punjabi | Best Actor | Nominated | |||
| Best Playback Singer (male) | Nominated | ||||
| Brit Asia Film Awards | Best Actor | Nominated | |||
| Best Playback Singer (male) | Nominated | ||||
| 2019 | Manmarziyaan | 25th Screen Awards | Screen Award for Best Male Playback | Nominated | |
| FC Film Club Awards[43] | Best Song "Daryaa" | Won | |||
| Reel Movie Awards[44] | Best Playback Singer (Male) | Won | |||
| Qismat | Brit Asia TV Awards | Best Male Playback Vocalist | Nominated | ||
| Best Actor | Nominated | ||||
| Laung Laachi | Best Supporting Actor | Nominated | |||
| PTC Punjabi Film Awards | Nominated | ||||
| Harjeeta | Best Actor | Nominated | |||
| Best Playback Singer (Male) | Nominated | ||||
| 2021 | 83 | FOI Online Awards | Best Performance by an Ensemble Cast | Nominated | [45] |
References
edit- ^ a b Singh, Jasmine (21 March 2014). "PUNJABI TADKA: Mom's the word". The Tribune. Archived from the original on 26 July 2014. Retrieved 9 December 2016.
- ^ "Ammy Virk's 'Surma to Sandle' all set to be released". The Times of India. 27 May 2015. Retrieved 12 August 2015.
- ^ Service, Tribune News (12 August 2015). "Angrej is also the ground for singer Ammy Virk, who opens his innings here". tribuneindia.com. Retrieved 12 August 2015.
- ^ Kaur, Gurnaaz (20 September 2019). "Movie Review - Nikka Zaildar 3: It's laugh riot". The Tribune. Retrieved 21 September 2019.
- ^ "But now, the new demand is to replicate the style of budding Punjabi singer Ammy Virk". hindustantimes.com. 5 July 2014. Archived from the original on February 17, 2015. Retrieved 12 August 2015.
- ^ "Qismat Is A Blockbuster - Top Punjabi Films Worldwide - Box Office India". boxofficeindia.com. Retrieved 2018-10-12.
- ^ "Love-ly-lanes". tribuneindia.com. Retrieved 2018-10-12.
- ^ "PTC Punjabi Film Awards 2016 Winners list". timesofinidia.com. Retrieved 2018-10-12.
- ^ "'Ardaas' review: Gippy Grewal's directorial venture is a heartfelt film with nuanced performances". News18. Retrieved 2018-10-12.
- ^ "Ardaas Punjabi Movie Review – Gippy Grewal – Gurpreet Ghuggi – Ammy Virk". Punjabi Teshan. 2016-03-12. Retrieved 2018-10-12.
- ^ "Bambukat Movie Review, Trailer and Story - BookMyShow". in.bookmyshow.com. Retrieved 2018-10-13.
- ^ "PTC Punjabi Film Awards 2017| Winners| Nominations| Categories". PunjabDreamz. 2017-04-25. Retrieved 2018-10-13.
- ^ "Winners of the Jio Filmfare Awards (Punjabi) 2017". filmfare.com. Retrieved 2018-10-13.
- ^ "Saab Bahadur: Bond with the best". tribuneindia.com.
- ^ "Saab Bahadar: Film Review - A Perfect Murder Mystery". in.bookmyshow.com. Retrieved 2018-10-13.
- ^ IANS (2018-07-08). "Can't experiment much in Punjabi films: Ammy Virk". Business Standard India. Retrieved 2018-10-13.
- ^ "Nikka Zaildar 2 Is A HIT - Box Office India". www.boxofficeindia.com. Retrieved 2018-10-22.
- ^ Singh, Jasmine (2017-09-23). "Nikka nails it, yet again!". Tribune India.
- ^ "Review: 'Sat Shri Akaal England' - A poor ripped-off version of 'Namastey London'". www.santabanta.com. Retrieved 2018-10-22.
- ^ Singh, Jasmine (2018-05-18). "Straight pass to the goal post". Tribune India.
- ^ Singh, Jasmine. "Qismat and also veykhi main". tribuneindia.com.
- ^ "[Review] Qismat: Grab Some Tissues Because This Film Is Definitely A Tearjerker!". BookMyShow. 2018-09-21. Retrieved 2018-09-21.
- ^ "[Review] Qismat: Love and loads of luck". The Tribune. 2018-09-21. Retrieved 2018-09-21.
- ^ "Sanjay Dutt, Sonakshi Sinha, Rana Daggubati, Parineeti and Ammy Virk join Ajay Devgn in Bhuj". mid-day. 2019-03-20. Retrieved 2019-03-26.
- ^ "Bhuj: The Pride of India full cast revealed! Parineeti Chopra, Sanjay Dutt, Rana Daggubati, Sonakshi Sinha, Ammy Virk join Ajay Devgn | Bollywood News". www.timesnownews.com. Retrieved 2019-03-26.
- ^ a b "Singer Ammy Virk To Star As Balvinder Singh Sandhu In '83". NDTV.com. Retrieved 2019-01-24.
- ^ "Punjabi singer-actor Ammy Virk to play Balwinder Singh Sandhu in Kabir Khan's '83 | Bollywood News". www.timesnownews.com. Retrieved 2019-01-24.
- ^ "Punjabi Star Ammy Virk to Make Bollywood Debut as Cricketer Balwinder Singh Sandhu in World Cup Movie". News18. 23 January 2019. Retrieved 2019-01-24.
- ^ "Filhaal 2 song: Akshay Kumar, Nupur Sanon and Ammy Virk love triangle end in heartbreak". The Indian Express. 2021-07-07. Retrieved 2021-07-27.
- ^ "Ammy Virk, Jyoti Sethi feature in Filmy Shots 'Dil Wali Gal'". 23 April 2016. Archived from the original on 22 August 2017. Retrieved 22 August 2017.
- ^ "Dil Wali Gal (HD) - Ammy Virk, Jyotii Sethi, Harinder Bhullar". Filmy Shots. 24 May 2016.
- ^ "Nikka Zaildar 3: Here's a sneak peek into the set of the Ammy Virk starrer - Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 2019-03-11.
- ^ "Ammy Virk-Sonam Bajwa's Puaada to hit theatres in August". Indian Express. 26 July 2021. Retrieved 26 July 2021.
- ^ "Puaada Got Finally Release Date Starring Ammy Virk, Sonam Bajwa". abcFRY. 26 July 2021. Archived from the original on 2 August 2021. Retrieved 26 July 2021.
- ^ "Bhuj: The Pride of India goes on floors in Hyderabad; Sanjay Dutt starts shooting for war drama". Firstpost.com. 25 June 2019. Retrieved 25 June 2019.
- ^ "Ammy Virk starrer 'Aaja Mexico Chaliye's trailer to release on THIS date; details inside". PTC Punjabi. 2022-02-11. Retrieved 2022-02-13.
- ^ "Ammy Virk, Sargun Mehta announce their new film Saunkan Saunkne". Outlook India. Retrieved 2021-07-10.
- ^ "Sher Bagga: Release Date of Ammy Virk and Sonam Bajwa Starrer Punjabi Movie Announced". 29 September 2021.
- ^ "Vicky Kaushal, Triptii Dimri, Ammy Virk to star in Bad Newz; see announcement video". Bollywood Hungama. 18 March 2024. Retrieved 18 March 2024.
- ^ "Akshay Kumar Begins Filming Khel Khel Mein In London: "Can't Help But Smile When The Camera Rolls"". NDTV. 21 October 2023. Retrieved 6 January 2024.
- ^ "Ammy Virk New Punjabi Song Hath Chumme". PunjabiPollywood.com. 7 June 2018.
- ^ "Teaser of The Landers ft. Ammy Virk's 'Behja Behja' hooks the fans - Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 2022-04-04.
- ^ FC, Team (2019-04-01). "FC Film Club Award Winners". Film Companion. Archived from the original on 2020-06-06. Retrieved 2019-05-07.
- ^ "REEL Movie Awards 2019: Ammy Virk and Shahid Mallya Win Best Playback Singer for Daarya". News18. 26 March 2019. Retrieved 2019-03-27.
- ^ "7th FOI Online Awards, 2022".
