Harbhajan Singh Hails Diljit Dosanjh’s Satluj, Says Jaswant Singh Khalra's Courage 'Deserves to Be Remembered'

Diljit Dosanjh’s film Satluj, previously titled Punjab ’95, has finally premiered on ZEE5 after a four-year battle for CBFC clearance. Directed by Honey Trehan, the film was released on the OTT platform without any cuts, according to the actor. Now, former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh has shared an emotional note after watching Satluj. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), he praised Diljit Dosanjh and Honey Trehan for bringing Khalra’s story to screen, stating that his courage deserves to be remembered.

Harbhajan Singh Reviews Diljit Dosanjh Starrer Satluj

In his tweet, Harbhajan Singh wrote, “Jallianwala Bagh stands as one of history’s greatest massacres. It was carried out by a colonial regime. But the question that haunts me after watching Jaswant Singh Khalra is different: What is more painful

than oppression by an outsider? When those entrusted to protect their own people are accused of becoming the source of their greatest fear. A police officer’s duty is to protect innocent lives—not to abuse power.”

Jallianwala Bagh stands as one of history’s greatest massacres. It was carried out by a colonial regime. But the question that haunts me after watching Jaswant Singh Khalra is different:

What is more painful than oppression by an outsider? When those entrusted to protect their… pic.twitter.com/zb71vPhKss

— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) July 5, 2026

“Khalra’s courage exposed evidence of alleged illegal disappearances and secret cremations, reminding us that the abuse of state power can leave wounds that last for generations. Punjab’s mothers are still waiting for answers. Many families are still waiting for justice. Truth cannot remain buried forever. Outstanding work by @HoneyTrehan and @diljitdosanjh for bringing the story of Jaswant Singh Khalra to the world. His courage deserves to be remembered,” he wrote.

Who Was Jaswant Singh Khalra, The Man Behind Diljit Dosanjh’s Satluj?

Jaswant Singh Khalra was a human rights activist from Punjab who became known for his work during and after the militancy period in the state. At a time when Punjab was marked by fear, violence, state action, insurgency and deep social unrest, Khalra began looking into reports of disappearances and custodial deaths. His work brought attention to allegations of illegal killings and secret cremations in Punjab. Amnesty International also described him as a human rights defender and noted that he had not been seen since September 6, 1995, after reportedly being arrested by police outside his home.

About Satluj

Satluj follows Jaswant Singh as he begins with one personal search and gradually uncovers a much larger story of alleged disappearances and custodial deaths. Set during Punjab’s turbulent militancy period, the film presents his journey as a struggle against injustice, silence and institutional denial.

The film is directed by Honey Trehan, produced by RSVP and MacGuffin Pictures, and headlined by Diljit alongside Arjun Rampal, Kanwaljit Singh, Suvinder Vicky, and Geetika Vidya Ohlyan. It premiered on Zee5 on July 3.