Diljit Dosanjh’s Satluj Gets Approval From Jaswant Singh Khalra’s Wife: 'Pleased And Relieved’

After years of delays and certification hurdles, Honey Trehan’s Punjab 95 has finally reached audiences on Zee5 under a new title, Satluj. The film, based on the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, is now streaming on the platform in its original, uncut version, according to both director Honey Trehan and lead actor Diljit Dosanjh.

Following its OTT release, the film has also received support from Jaswant Singh Khalra’s family. His wife, Paramjit Kaur Khalra, has said that the version currently streaming is the same one that was originally shown to and approved by the family.

Jaswant Singh Khalra’s Wife Approves Satluj Version

Taking to X, Paramjit Kaur Khalra said she was “pleased and relieved” that the film based on her husband’s

life, struggle and legal battle had finally reached audiences through OTT after facing “years of political obstacles and numerous challenges.”

She clarified that the family had approved the version released on OTT and said it preserved the film’s original spirit.

“This is the same original version that was first screened for our family. We are reassured that, despite immense pressure and repeated attempts to make changes, the film’s original spirit and truth have been preserved,” she wrote.

Paramjit further said that it was important for the family that Jaswant Singh Khalra’s life and work were portrayed honestly.

“Jaswant Singh Khalra’s life was a testament to fearless courage in the pursuit of truth, justice and the protection of human rights. It was therefore of utmost importance to us that both his story and the genocide of the sikhs be portrayed with honesty, without compromise or distortion,” she added.

Paramjit Kaur Khalra Says Film Depicts Over 25,000 Unclaimed Bodies Issue

In her post, Paramjit noted that Satluj authentically depicts the issue of more than 25,000 unclaimed bodies, along with Khalra’s legal struggle to bring what she described as the truth of the Sikh struggle before the world.

She also thanked director Honey Trehan for remaining firm in his conviction and for refusing to compromise the film’s artistic and historical integrity.

“We hope this film serves as a fitting tribute to the legacy of Jaswant Singh Khalra and inspires audiences around the world to reflect upon and uphold the enduring values of truth, justice, accountability and human dignity,” she wrote.

Punjab 95 Faced Long Delay Before Release As Satluj

The film had been delayed for years after being submitted to the Central Board of Film Certification in 2022. It reportedly remained stuck in the certification process for almost three years.

Earlier, the makers had claimed that the CBFC had asked for as many as 127 cuts in the film. In 2023, Punjab 95 was also scheduled to premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival. However, the screening was cancelled after Indian authorities raised objections.

Honey Trehan had also said that the CBFC had objected to the film’s original title, Ghalughara, and had asked the makers to remove the phrase “inspired by true events” from the opening credits. The film has now been released on OTT as Satluj.

Satluj Cast

Directed by Honey Trehan, Satluj stars Diljit Dosanjh in the lead role as Jaswant Singh Khalra. The film also features Kanwaljeet Singh, Arjun Rampal, Suvinder Vicky and Geetika Vidya Ohlyan in key roles.

With its release on Zee5, Satluj finally brings Khalra’s story to audiences after years of delays, controversy and uncertainty.