Diljit Dosanjh On Why He Said Yes To Satluj: ‘Jaswant Singh Khalra’s Story Had Always Struck Me’ | Exclusive

Diljit Dosanjh says his decision to headline Satluj, the newly released Zee5 film inspired by the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, came from a place of deep personal conviction. In an exclusive conversation with News18 Showsha, the actor-singer revealed that he had wanted to be part of a film on Khalra for many years and felt that the story needed to be told with honesty and great care.

Directed and written by Honey Trehan, Satluj is now streaming on Hindi Zee5. Produced by RSVP and MacGuffin Pictures, the film stars Diljit Dosanjh in the lead alongside Arjun Rampal, Kanwaljit Singh, Suvinder Vicky and Geetika Vidya Ohlyan. Inspired by true events, the social drama traces one man’s relentless pursuit of truth during a period

marked by fear, unrest and unexplained disappearances.

Diljit Dosanjh Says Satluj ‘Reached’ Him

Speaking about how the film came to him, Diljit told News18 Showsha that Honey Trehan had first approached him without revealing the subject of the movie. The actor said their meeting began with a discussion around his 2014 film Punjab 1984, and it was during that conversation that Diljit himself mentioned Jaswant Singh Khalra.

“Honey Trehan approached me, but he never told me the subject of the movie. We met and started discussing a film I did – Punjab 1984. During the conversation, I happened to mention to him that the story of Jaswant Singh Khalra had always struck me. It’s a very powerful story that needs to reach people so they know about him and how courageous he was. He was genuinely surprised because he had never mentioned the reason behind the meeting or the subject of the movie. When I said Jaswant Singh Khalra, he smiled and gave me the script. I still remember his presentation—he even had pictures of me in the script. It felt like the film had reached me,” Diljit said.

For Diljit, the moment was more than a professional offer. The actor said the story had already been with him for years, and when the script finally came his way, it felt almost inevitable.

Diljit Dosanjh Says He Wanted To Be Part Of A Jaswant Singh Khalra Film For Years

Diljit further said that Jaswant Singh Khalra’s story had stayed with him for a long time. However, he also knew that a subject of such historical and emotional significance could not be handled casually.

“I had been wanting to be part of a Jaswant Singh Khalra film for many years. At the same time, I felt that I couldn’t treat this subject lightly. There is so much historical, moral, and emotional weight to it. There’s no place for lightness, and if this story has to be told, it must be told honestly because it is about a man of truth,” he shared.

Satluj is inspired by Khalra’s pursuit of justice for thousands of missing people during a turbulent period in Punjab’s history. The film looks at the human cost of silence, violence and power, while placing one man’s courage at the centre of the narrative.

Diljit Dosanjh On Why He Trusted Honey Trehan With Satluj

The actor said that what finally convinced him was Honey Trehan’s sincerity and commitment to the subject. According to Diljit, he felt assured that the filmmaker understood the emotional and moral responsibility of telling Khalra’s story.

“The one thing that made me feel absolutely sure was Honey Trehan and his conviction for the story. I felt that he was deeply immersed and involved in the subject with sincerity and honesty. His passion was so strong that I knew if anyone was going to tell this story, it was him as Jaswant Singh Khalra’s story was in the right hands. That’s why I had to say yes,” Diljit said.

The actor’s comments make it clear that Satluj was not just another role for him. It was a responsibility, especially because the film is rooted in real struggles, lived trauma and the courage of a man who fought to document the truth.

What Is Satluj About?

Satluj is described as a deeply moving, true-event-inspired film that goes beyond entertainment to tell a story of courage, loss and the pursuit of justice. The film is set during a time of conflict and unrest, when thousands of disappearances left families searching for answers.

At its heart, the film follows Jaswant Singh, an ordinary man who chooses not to look away. Driven by the belief that every missing person deserved to be accounted for, he challenges a system built on fear and silence. His fight comes at an immense personal cost, turning Satluj into a story not only about justice but also about sacrifice, memory and moral courage.

Diljit Dosanjh Calls Satluj One Of His Most Meaningful Experiences

In an official statement, Diljit also said that Khalra’s martyrdom and contribution to humanity were among the primary reasons he chose to be part of the film.

“Bhai Jaswant Singh Khalra ji’s martyrdom and his contribution to humanity were the primary reasons I chose to be a part of this film. When I first heard the script, it moved me deeply, as it is rooted in the lived experiences, struggles, and sacrifices of real people. As an artist, opportunities to be part of such meaningful stories are rare. From the moment I heard the script, I felt a strong sense of responsibility towards the film and was committed to portraying such an inspiring character with truth, honesty, and utmost respect. Our film, Satluj, is a story of conviction, courage, and humanity, and portraying this character has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my career. I’m grateful that audiences across the world can finally watch the film on Zee 5 and connect with a story that is both deeply personal and truly a must-watch for all,” he said.

Honey Trehan On Bringing Satluj To Zee5

Director Honey Trehan said that the film was made with the intention of telling the story with sensitivity and without compromise.

“From the very beginning, our intention was to tell this story with honesty, sensitivity, and without compromise. After a long wait, audiences will finally witness our labour of love and hard work. Satluj is not just the story of one individual; it is a tribute to the strength of human spirit in the face of adversity. Everyone associated with the film deeply believed in the importance of this narrative, as it draws inspiration from the life of the great martyr Jaswant Singh. I am delighted that it is now reaching audiences on Zee 5,” Honey said.

Producer Ronnie Screwvala added that RSVP has always believed in backing stories that matter.

“At RSVP, we’ve always believed in backing stories that matter – stories that move you, challenge you, and stay with you long after the credits roll. Satluj, inspired by the life of martyr Jaswant Singh, is one such film. Honey’s passion and conviction made this journey truly special, and from the very beginning, we knew there was no one better than Diljit to bring this character to life with the honesty and depth it deserved. We’re grateful to Zee 5 for boldly championing a film like this and giving it a platform to reach the audience it deserves. We hope Satluj receives all the love and recognition it deserves,” he said.

Satluj is currently streaming on Hindi Zee5.