Diljit Dosanjh has reacted to the reported ban on Satluj in India, addressing the ongoing controversy around the film. Scroll down to read what the actor said and what he predicted about the film.
Published: July 6, 2026, 9:52 AM IST
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Diljit Dosanjh in Satluj (PC: Twitter)
Satluj has found itself at the centre of yet another controversy. Just days after finally reaching audiences on an OTT platform following years of delays, the film was removed from streaming in India, leaving fans surprised and raising fresh questions about its future. The unexpected development has sparked debate across social media, with many wondering what led to the decision and whether the film will return.
Amid the growing discussion, Diljit Dosanjh shared his first reaction. Rather than issuing a lengthy statement, the actor posted a powerful message that quickly caught the attention of fans. His response has added another chapter to the long and difficult journey of a film that has faced repeated hurdles since its production. While Satluj continues to make headlines for its controversy, that decision has become a major talking point among his supporters. Here’s everything we know.
Diljit Dosanjh breaks silence after Satluj is removed in India
Diljit Dosanjh responded to the sudden removal of his film Satluj from ZEE5 by sharing a cryptic Instagram post with a clip from the film. Soon after Satluj became unavailable for streaming in India, the singer and actor wrote, “I challenge the darkness,” while paying tribute to human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, whose life inspired the film.
Originally titled Punjab 95, the film tells the story of Jaswant Singh Khalra’s fight to expose alleged illegal cremations during Punjab’s militancy period. The project had already spent years awaiting release after facing certification issues. It eventually skipped a theatrical release and premiered directly on OTT before being removed from the platform in India just two days later.
Diljit Dosanjh predicted Satluj’s removal from OTT
But the removal was something that Diljit Dosanjh had already predicted that the film might be pulled on Monday. After Satluj release on OTT, Diljit did an Instagram live where he said (in Punjabi), “There’s fear that the film could be removed from ZEE5 on Monday. There is this fear. But then someone would have downloaded the film by then. Koi gan nain (No problem). No tension. Those who want to stop this, they can try.”
Satluj: Why Diljit Dosanjh took no fees for his role in Jaswant Singh Khalra biopic?
Diljit Dosanjh waived his entire acting fee for his role in the film Satluj (originally titled Punjab ‘95). Because he believed so deeply in the importance of telling the story of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, he did not charge the producers. In a recent interview, Satluj director Honey Trehan shared “He (Diljit Dosanjh) never asked a single rupee to Jaswant Singh Khalra.”
About Satluj controversy
The removal of Satluj has triggered widespread reactions from fans, political leaders, organisations, and members of the film industry. Satluj (originally titled Punjab ’95) has been at the centre of controversy since its certification process began. The film, based on the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, was reportedly held up for over three years and was objected to elements including its title and references to Punjab. Following a prolonged standoff, the makers released the film uncut on ZEE5 on July 3 under the new title Satluj. However, just two days after its OTT debut, ZEE5 removed the film from its India catalogue, citing “current developments”.
The unexpected takedown has reignited debate over censorship, artistic freedom, and the challenges faced by films dealing with sensitive historical and political subjects. Several groups have expressed disappointment over the decision, arguing that the film deserves to be available for audiences. For now, Satluj remains unavailable in India, and there is no official timeline for its return.
