Diljit Dosanjh Addresses ‘Satluj’ Controversy at Delhi Concert: “Don’t Teach Punjabis How to Fight”
Singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh addressed the ongoing controversy surrounding his film Satluj during the opening show of his Aura India Tour 2026 in New Delhi. Responding to recent public commentary and criticism, Dosanjh defended the biographical project while emphasizing the extensive efforts required to bring the narrative to audiences despite severe opposition.
Addressing the crowd, Dosanjh delivered a direct statement regarding the pushback against the feature: “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.” He further highlighted the significance of the biographical subject, adding, “The film you are making fun of on stage, Jaswant Singh Khalra’s film—we fought for that film for a long time.”
Directed by Honey Trehan, Satluj chronicles the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, who investigated allegations regarding the unauthorized cremation of thousands of unidentified individuals by law enforcement in Punjab during the early 1990s. Khalra was abducted in September 1995 and subsequently killed, with his remains reportedly disposed of in the Sutlej River. The project previously underwent multiple title changes, moving from Ghallughara to Punjab ’95, before adopting its current title.
The film faced prolonged regulatory challenges with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). Initially instructed to execute 21 edits, the proposed cuts eventually expanded to 127 modifications following subsequent reviews. The producers resisted the extensive edits, delaying multiple planned theatrical releases. In July 2026, the film received a brief digital release on ZEE5 under the title Satluj, but was withdrawn from the platform in India within 48 hours following directives from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
Dosanjh’s remarks at the Delhi concert have renewed public attention surrounding Satluj, reigniting discussions regarding censorship, artistic freedom, and the historical representation of Punjab’s political history.
