Singer and actor Diljit Dosanjh addressed the controversy surrounding his film Satluj during the opening concert of his Aura India Tour 2026 in New Delhi on Friday, October 30, defending the project and delivering a strong message to his critics.
Performing at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Dosanjh spoke about the criticism and online trolling directed at the film, which is based on the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra.
“Don’t teach Punjabis how to fight battles,” he told the audience, adding that the team had fought for a long time to bring the film to audiences.
“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. If someone hates us, no problem,” Dosanjh said
Diljit recalls the struggle behind ‘Satluj’
Referring directly to the criticism of the film, Dosanjh said, “The film you stood on stage and mocked—Jaswant Singh Khalra ji’s film (‘Satluj’). We fought for a very long time for that film.”
The remarks came amid criticism surrounding the singer’s perceived distancing from the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP)-led student protest. The controversy over his response to the protests had subsequently extended to his film, with critics questioning his public stance.
Dosanjh’s comments at the concert brought the debate back into the spotlight, as he defended the effort behind the project while reiterating that he continued to have love for everyone, including those who criticised him.
A film based on Jaswant Singh Khalra’s life
Satluj, originally titled Punjab ’95, is based on the life of Jaswant Singh Khalra, a human rights activist who brought attention to alleged illegal killings, disappearances and secret cremations in Punjab during the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Khalra’s work remains an important part of Punjab’s human rights history. He disappeared in 1995, and his body was later found near the Harike Bridge.
The film, starring Dosanjh, faced prolonged delays during the certification process. It was eventually released on ZEE5 under the title Satluj on July 3, 2026. However, the streaming platform removed it from India on July 5, just two days after its release.
Film’s removal sparked wider debate
The film’s removal triggered criticism from political leaders and organisations in Punjab, including the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee and the Shiromani Akali Dal.
Reports indicated that the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting had raised security concerns and obligations under the Information Technology Rules, 2021, in connection with the film’s removal.
The controversy renewed debate over the portrayal of sensitive historical events in cinema and the challenges faced by filmmakers working on politically contentious subjects.
A message beyond cinema
Dosanjh’s remarks at the Delhi concert have once again drawn attention to Satluj and the questions surrounding its release.
While the singer defended the film and the effort behind it, the controversy continues to raise broader questions about artistic expression, public criticism and the portrayal of Punjab’s difficult historical chapters.
For Dosanjh, the message from the stage was clear: despite criticism, the effort to tell the story of Jaswant Singh Khalra remains important to him.
