What if Kala Chashma was Actually a 90s Sensation?

There is an unexpected story behind the global sensation, 'Kala Chashma', a song that transcended language barriers and captivated audiences worldwide. The original writer? A head constable of the Punjab Police.

The original writer behind Kala Chashma, Amrik Singh Shera; Source: ChandigarhX

Imagine writing a song at the tender age of 15, recording it, shelving it, and then witnessing its meteoric rise to fame almost 30 years later. This is exactly what happened to Amrik Singh Shera. In 1990, when he was in the ninth grade and visiting Chandigarh for the first time, he was inspired by the city's roads, food, and fashion.

While standing at a crossroads, his attention was captured by a young girl donning black sunglasses and dressed immaculately. He recalled later in interviews how she effortlessly became the centre of attention, even drawing the gaze of traffic police officers. She became his muse, fueling his creativity to compose a song dedicated to her. When true inspiration strikes, it works in mysterious ways, ensuring success, even if it takes decades to manifest.

“I think we all like to write when we are young and starting to understand the world. I did too and by the time we reached back home I had already completed the song.”

It was only in 2021 that the world discovered Shera as the original writer behind the song. Featured in the 2016 film Baar Baar Dekho, Kala Chashma skyrocketed to fame as an electrifying dance number and continues to captivate audiences today.

Today, Shera serves as the Head Constable in Kapurthala, Punjab. His peers and superiors in the Punjab Police have been incredibly supportive of his songwriting, with the Director General of Police granting him permission to perform wherever he desires.

Shera shared details of what unfolded after he wrote the song. He approached several singers to record a version of it, and after numerous rejections, Amar Arshi finally agreed. Arshi performed Kala Chashmaand another song called Aaja Ni Aaja Tenu Nachna Sikha Deya during his tour in London, both of which instantly resonated with the crowd. There was something about the lyrics and the beats that clicked effortlessly.

In 2016, a cement factory wanted to play Kala Chashma at its inauguration, and Arshi informed Shera about it. Shera wondered why they wished to make tweaks instead of playing the song as it was. Despite his reservations, he was simply delighted that someone wanted to use his song.

Three months later, he discovered that the song had been used in the film without his permission. In an interview, he humorously commented that he wished he had known about it so he could have taken a picture with Katrina Kaif. Even after the turn of events, Shera retained his sense of humour.

The news left him so disheartened that he temporarily stopped writing songs. He lamented the lack of respect writers receive in the film industry. The song was credited to someone else, and until recently, Amrik Singh Shera remained unknown.

During an interview when asked about his songwriting process, Shera responded-

“Whenever I see anything wrong prevailing in society, I write about it and will keep on doing so in the future as well, whether these songs get released or not.”

More songs are currently in the works, along with a book titled Virsa Punjab Da, which is a compilation of 150 songs. The songs revolve around social issues that Shera has observed around him. He possesses the unwavering determination characteristic of police officers. Despite not receiving proper credit for a global sensation of a song, he harbours no regrets. At least his work is out there for the world to experience. He exemplifies a man of great character.