Ammy Virk

Amninderpal Singh Virk (born 11 May 1992), better known as Ammy Virk, is an Indian singer, actor and producer. He established himself as a singer in the Punjabi music industry, with his music album Jattizm winning him the PTC Punjabi Music Award for Album of the Year in 2013. Virk expanded into acting playing Hakam in the historical romance Punjabi film Angrej for which he won the Best Debut Actor Award at PTC Punjabi Film Awards. He later found the production house Villagers Film Studio and a distribution company In House Group in 2017. The Tribune described Virk's portrayal of Nikka in the Nikka Zaildar film series as one of the most beloved characters of Punjabi cinema.

Virk enjoyed further success with Punjabi films Bambukat (2016), Ardaas (2016), Laung Laachi (2018), Qismat (2018), and Saukan Saunkne (2022). His films Angrej and Qismat are two of the highest grossing Punjabi films of all time. Virk is also recognised for his Patiala-Shahi turban. He made his Bollywood debut with film Bhuj: The Pride Of India (2021), and went on to work in other Hindi ventures like Bad Newz (2024) and Khel Khel Mein (2024).

Early life Born 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." In an interview with The Print, Virk stated the song was originally written for his then-girlfriend in 2012, who later convinced him to release it publicly.

His early career was further established by the songs "Qismat," "Haan Karde," "Yaar Amli," "Jatt Da Sahara," and "Chandigarh Diyan Kudia," the latter of which solidified his status in the Punjabi music industry. Virk is noted for incorporating folk and Sufi music into his work and for his signature Patiala-Shahi turban. Subsequent releases "Zindabad Yaarian" and "Taara" gained further popularity. His 2013 debut album, Jattizm, received the Album of the Year award at the PTC Punjabi Music Awards. Virk's music has also featured on the soundtracks of Punjabi films in which he starred, including Bambukat, Laung Laachi, and Sufna, among others.

Acting Virk 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.” Also, he won Best Debut Actor Award at PTC Punjabi Film Awards for his role in the film.

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 [...]” 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 starred in Nikka Zaildar as Nikka.

In 2017, he started with playing a special appearance in the Tarsem Jassar's starrer Rabb Da Radio's 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." 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." 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. -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. 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." 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."

In 2018, he starred in Laung Laachi, playing the 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 the Indian hockey team and won the 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, 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. The film was written and directed by Jagdeep Sidhu. In the film, Virk played the role of Shivjit Singh Gill opposite 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." 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.”

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 alomgside Ammy Virk. In the same year, his film Chhalle Mundiyaan was released, as was Guddiyan Patole starring Gurnam Bhullar, produced by him.

His recent films in the Punjabi industry include Sarbala Ji and Godday Godday Chaa 2, both released in 2025.

Expansion into Bollywood In 2021, he made his Bollywood debut in Bhuj: The Pride of India where he played the role of a fighter pilot. 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. Virk appeared in the music video of the song "Filhaal 2" by B Praak. He was cast alongside Vicky Kaushal and Triptii Dimri in the 2024 Hindi comedy film Bad Newz. The film received mixed reviews but managed to be commercially successful at the box office. In the same year, he appeared in Khel Khel Mein as part of an ensemble cast consisting of Akshay Kumar, Taapsee Pannu, Vaani Kapoor, Aditya Seal, Pragya Jaiswal, and Fardeen Khan.

Filmography Films +Key Denotes films that have not yet been released

Sarbala JiGajjanPunjabi film

As producer Guddiyan Patole (2019)

Discography Studio albums + List of albums Year Album Record Label Music Tracks 2011 Chandigarh Diyan Kudian Speed Records Bhinda Auijla 7 2013 Jattizm Lokdhun Punjabi Gupz Sehra 12

Singles

As featured artist

Film soundtrack

Punjabi

Hindi Year Song FilmComposer(s) LyricsCo-singer(s) 2018 "Daryaa" Manmarziyaan Amit Trivedi ShelleeShahid Mallya2024 "Qismat Badal Di" Yodha B Praak, Aditya Dev Jaani B Praak "Haule Sajna" Bad Newz Rochak KohliGurpreet Saini, Gautam G SharmaSolo

Awards and nominations