Diljit Dosanjh addressed the recent controversy and online trolling around his film Satluj during the opening night of his Aura India Tour 2026 in New Delhi on October 30. Speaking to a sold-out crowd at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, the singer said the team had fought hard to bring the story to audiences and urged critics not to underestimate Punjabis’ struggles. Satluj, previously titled Punjab ’95, is based on the life of Jaswant Singh Khalra, a human rights activist who investigated alleged illegal killings and secret cremations in Punjab during the militancy and counter-insurgency period of the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Diljit Dosanjh responds to Satluj matter at Delhi concert
During his Delhi performance, addressed the online criticism surrounding Satluj, making it clear that the film’s journey had involved a prolonged struggle. While expressing love for the audience, he also urged people not to question Punjabis’ resilience. According to ANI, he said, “I love all of you because I am an artist, bro. I am being quiet, so let me stay quiet. I support all of you. But don’t teach Punjabis how to fight battles.”
Satluj faced years of delays and controversy over its portrayal of a sensitive chapter in Punjab’s history. Referring to the criticism directed at the film, Diljit added, “The film you are making fun of on stage, Jaswant Singh Khalra’s film – we fought for that film for a long time. I love all of you. If someone hates us, it’s okay. But I love all of you.”
Satluj stars Diljit Dosanjh alongside Arjun Rampal, Kanwaljit Singh, Suvinder Vicky and Geetika Vidya Ohlyan
What is Satluj about?
Diljit portrays Jaswant Singh Khalra in the film, which aims to bring his life and work to a wider audience. Khalra documented evidence relating to the alleged disappearance and extrajudicial killing of Sikh men. In 1995, he himself disappeared and was subsequently found to have been abducted and killed. His case became a significant part of the human rights debate surrounding that period.
Directed by Honey Trehan and produced by Ronnie Screwvala’s RSVP Movies alongside MacGuffin Pictures, the project has drawn attention for its subject matter and the challenges surrounding its release.
Diljit Dosanjh in Satluj
Why was Satluj removed from ZEE5?
After remaining caught in certification-related difficulties for around three years, Satluj premiered on ZEE5 on July 3, 2026. However, the platform removed the film from India within two days. The streamer announced that the film would remain unavailable in India until further notice, citing “current developments” without initially providing detailed reasons. Subsequent reports said the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting had directed its removal on security-related grounds under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act.
The film’s release had already faced prolonged delays after it was submitted to the Central Board of Film Certification under its original title, Punjab ’95. Reports said the certification process involved demands for extensive cuts and changes to the title. The filmmakers did not proceed with the requested changes, and the film’s release remained stalled for years.
Its brief appearance on ZEE5 therefore marked a major moment for the project before its sudden removal reignited discussion about censorship, artistic freedom and the portrayal of politically sensitive historical events.