Diljit Dosanjh’s unwavering faith in Satluj.

Actor embraced the role of Jaswant Singh Khalra without a script, as the film faces censorship hurdles.

Diljit Dosanjh’s latest project, Satluj, has stirred both admiration and controversy. The film, which portrays the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, was quietly released on ZEE5 after years of delay, only to be removed within two days. Despite the turbulence surrounding its release, the story behind Dosanjh’s involvement reflects his deep conviction and respect for Punjab’s history.

Director Honey Trehan recently revealed that Dosanjh agreed to the film instantly, without even reading the script. Their association dates back to Udta Punjab, where Trehan worked as casting director. When Trehan approached him with the idea of Satluj, Dosanjh responded with remarkable simplicity. He looked at Khalra’s photograph, placed it on his forehead, and said, “Waheguru ji… tell me when and where to come.” For Dosanjh, the subject itself was enough to commit wholeheartedly.

Trehan recalled how the actor’s dedication never wavered during production. Even on days when schedules collapsed and shots were delayed for hours, Dosanjh remained patient and supportive. “Every time I apologized, he would reassure me, saying, ‘Paaji, no problem. Whatever you’re doing, you’re doing for the film. I’m here to support it,” Trehan shared.

The film itself is set in Punjab in 1995, tracing Khalra’s courageous investigation into allegations that the police had illegally cremated thousands of bodies. His disappearance after exposing these atrocities remains one of the darkest chapters in Punjab’s recent history. Satluj attempts to bring this story to light, blending historical truth with cinematic intensity.

Originally intended for a theatrical release, the film faced severe resistance from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), which reportedly demanded 125 cuts. After three years of battling censorship, the makers opted for an OTT premiere. However, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting later stated that the film had bypassed certification procedures, leading to its abrupt removal from ZEE5.

The controversy has reignited discussions about artistic freedom and the challenges of portraying politically sensitive subjects in Indian cinema. Yet, Dosanjh’s commitment to Satluj, accepting the role without hesitation and standing by the project through its struggles, underscores the importance of telling stories that confront uncomfortable truths. For him, Khalra’s legacy was not just another role but a responsibility to history and to Punjab.