Ammy Virk


Amninderpal Singh Virk, better known as Ammy Virk, is an Indian singer, actor and producer owning his production house under name 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, Harjeet Singh in Harjeeta, and Haakam in Angrej.
He started his singing career with a single track which went on to become very popular. Later on, he did other songs including "Yaar Amli" and "Jatt Da Sahara" which popularized him in the Punjabi music industry globally. His first album "Jattizm" was released in 2013 which got the "Best Album of The Year" award in PTC Music Awards. His most popular song is “Qismat” which was released in 2017, after which a film was titled.
He started his acting career with the role of Hakam in the historical romance Punjabi film Angrej for which he won Best Debut Actor Award at PTC Punjabi Film Awards. Also, he had starred in some other successful films like 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. He is known for his Patiala-Shahi turban. His films Angrej and Qismat are one of the highest grossing Punjabi films of all time. He is making his Bollywood debut with film 83 directed by Kabir Khan based on 1983 Cricket World Cup.

Early life

Virk was born Amninderpal Singh Virk on 11 May 1992. In an interview with The Tribune he said, "It was my mother who told me that I should try singing. I have learnt it. I am a singer because of my mother and I love her for having faith in me."

Discography

Singles

Film career

Virk started his film career with Angrej produced by Rhythm Boyz Entertainment released in 2015. He played the role of Haakam which shows a negative role. His role was appreciated by audience and critics alike. 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.” Also, he won Best Debut Actor Award at PTC Punjabi Film Awards for his role in the film. The film was commercially blockbuster as it is fifth highest grossing Punjabi film of all time.
In 2016, his second film Ardaas directed by Gippy Grewal was released clashing with Love Punjab. The film was multi-starrer including Gurpreet Ghuggi, Rana Ranbir and many others. In the film he played supporting role of Agyapal Singh which was also appreciated by critics and audience. 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 ” Uttam of Punjabi Teshan said, “ Ammy Virk has improved so much, he acted like a good theatre artist. ” 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." He won Best Actor Award at PTC Punjabi Film Awards shared with Amrinder Gill for his role of "Channan Singh" in the film and Best Actor Critics Award at Filmfare Awards Punjabi shared with Gurpreet Ghuggi. In September, he played in and as Nikka Zaildar directed by Simerjit Singh. The romantic comedy was commercially hit which lead to the formation of sequels.
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 directed by Amrit Raj Chadha 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." 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 cop with his spellbinding performance. He enacts his character with earnestness and authenticity. He is brilliant in every frame and charges assertively through the film. His portrayal of Saab Bahadar stamps the fact that he is one of the most sought-after actors of Punjabi film industry these days." 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 type of genres like action and suspense can also do well.
-Ammy Virk

In September 2017, his film Nikka Zaildar 2 sequel to Nikka Zaildar was released. The film was set in bygone era and upon its release was announced HIT by Box Office India. 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 artiste. He has a bang on comic timing, and the same can be said about his emotional scenes." Later, in December Sat Shri Akaal England was released. In the film Virk played 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 any much effort to bring out his best."
In 2018, he started Laung Laachi with a negative supporting role of Ajaypal Singh. The film was written and directed by Amberdeep Singh also he starred in the film as a lead Actor. The film was commercially successful and also the 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."
In September, a blockbuster Qismat was released. The film was named after a song sung by himself only because similarity in lead cast, crew and emotions. The film was written and directed by Jagdeep Sidhu. In the film Virk played role of Shivjit Singh Gill opposite to Sargun Mehta in the film. His performance in the film was most appreciated than all his other performances. The film was praised by audience and critics alike. Commercially, it was blockbuster with worldwide collections more than ₹30 crore. Also, the film is sixth highest grossing Punjabi film of all time and second highest grossing Punjabi film of 2018. 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 a number of times in those two hours. It’s hard to believe anyone else portraying Shivjit and Bani’s roles."
Jasmine Singh of The Tribune also praised lead cast, saying, “Ammy Virk and Sargun Mehta share a 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. Sargun Mehta’s, currently one of the most talented female actresses of the industry, effortless acting and her girl-next-door image make her stand out from the entire lot.”
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. The film was directed by Simerjit Singh and produced by White Hill Studios. Also, in the same year his Chhalle Mundiyaan was released and Guddiyan Patole starring Gurnam Bhullar on other hand produced by him.
He is also making debut in Bollywood with film 83 directed by Kabir Khan. The film is based on the life of Indian cricket player Kapil Dev. Virk will play the role of fast bowler Balwinder Sandhu. Later, he also signed another Bollywood film Bhuj co-starring Sanjay Dutt, Sonakshi Sinha, Rana Daggubati, Parineeti Chopra and Ajay Devgn. He will play role of a fighter pilot.

Filmography

Denotes films that have not yet been released

YearFilmRoleNotes
2015AngrejHaakam Best Debut Actor Award
2016ArdaasAgyapal Singh
2016BambukatChannan Singh Best Actor Award shared with Amrinder Gill
2016Nikka ZaildarNikka/Yadwinder
2016Dil Wali GalAmmyA short film by Filmy Shots on YouTube
2017Rabb Da RadioSingerSpecial appearance in song "Akh Boldi"
2017Saab BahadarKuldeep Singh/Saab Bahadar
2017Nikka Zaildar 2Nikka
2017Sat Shri Akaal EnglandMajor German Singh Mann
2018Laung LaachiAjaypal
2018HarjeetaHarjeet Singh
2018QismatShivjit Singh Gill
2018Aate Di ChidiSingerSpecial appearance in song "Muchh"
2019MuklawaShinda
2019Nikka Zaildar 3Nikka Zaildar
2020SufnaJagjeet
202083Balwinder Sandhu1983 CWC win, Releasing on 10 April 2020
2020Flight officerFilming, Releasing on 14 August 2020

Film soundtrack

Punjabi

Hindi

Awards and nominations

YearFilmAward ceremonyCategoryResult
2016AngrejPTC Punjabi Film AwardsBest Debut Actor
2017BambukatPTC Punjabi Film AwardsBest Playback Singer
2017BambukatPTC Punjabi Film AwardsBest Actor
2017BambukatFilmfare Awards PunjabiBest Actor
2017BambukatFilmfare Awards PunjabiBest Actor
2017Nikka ZaildarFilmfare Awards PunjabiBest Playback Singer
2018Nikka Zaildar 2PTC Punjabi Film AwardsBest Playback Singer
2018Nikka Zaildar 2PTC Punjabi Film AwardsBest Actor
2018Nikka Zaildar 2Filmfare Awards PunjabiBest Actor
2018Nikka Zaildar 2Filmfare Awards PunjabiBest Playback Singer
2018Nikka Zaildar 2Brit Asia Film AwardsBest Actor
2018Nikka Zaildar 2Brit Asia Film AwardsBest Playback Singer
2019Manmarziyaan
25th Screen Awards		Screen Award for Best Male Playback
2019ManmarziyaanFC Film Club AwardsBest Song "Daryaa"
2019ManmarziyaanReel Movie AwardsBest Playback Singer
2019QismatBrit Asia TV AwardsBest Male Playback Vocalist
2019QismatBrit Asia TV AwardsBest Actor
2019Laung LaachiBrit Asia TV AwardsBest Supporting Actor
2019Laung LaachiPTC Punjabi Film AwardsBest Supporting Actor
2019HarjeetaPTC Punjabi Film AwardsBest Actor
2019HarjeetaPTC Punjabi Film AwardsBest Playback Singer