Amid Satluj Row: Gul Panag Supports Diljit Dosanjh’s Film; Says, ‘Grew Up In Punjab During Brutal Years Of Militancy’

Diljit Dosanjh’s Satluj was quietly released on ZEE5 but was removed from the platform within hours. Actress Gul Panag came out in support of the film’s makers and strongly criticised the decision to ban the movie. Her statement reignited discussions surrounding the controversial removal and censorship of the film. After quietly releasing on ZEE5, Diljit Dosanjh’s Satluj was removed from the platform within hours, sparking widespread online debate. Following the controversy, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting formed an interdepartmental committee to review the Honey Trehan-directed film.

Several celebrities extended their support to the makers, defending the film’s portrayal of Punjab’s past. Actress Gul Panag, who was born and raised in Punjab, said she had witnessed the state’s brutal years of militancy while growing up. She emphasised that Punjab’s painful history should not be forgotten or erased, as acknowledging the past remains important for future generations.

Gul Panag Reflects On Her Childhood In Punjab During Satluj Controversy

Gul Panag supported the makers of Satluj through a series of posts on X. She praised director Honey Trehan for standing by his decision despite pressure. Appreciating the team’s courage, Gul also fondly recalled her childhood memories in Punjab while expressing her support for the filmmakers throughout.

Sharing a note on X, Gul Panag wrote, “I grew up in Punjab during the brutal years of militancy. I remember reading newspaper headlines about buses being stopped and innocent passengers being pulled out and killed.” (sic) The actress also remembered how young men were being picked up, detained and tortured despite having no involvement in the movement. She mentioned that it has happened in her village as well.

The actress Gul Panag penned, “Those memories are precisely why I don’t believe we should become so uncomfortable with difficult chapters of our history that we stop telling stories about them.” (sic) According to the Dor actress, a film is not a history textbook. She feels the film tells a story through one lens and one perspective. She criticised the ban and said, “Debate it. Critique it. Counter it. Banning it is always counter productive. But don’t assume Punjab’s hard-won rejection of separatism is so fragile that a film can reverse it!!” (sic)

Apart from Kanwaljit Singh, who portrayed a cop in Satlujpraised the director for staying firm and refusing to bow to pressure, despite facing challenges throughout the project.

Why Is Satluj Facing Controversy?

Satluj is based on the life of Jaswant Singh Khalra, who was reportedly abducted and killed in 1995 after uncovering evidence related to the disappearance and alleged killings of over 2,000 people in Tarn Taran, Punjab, following former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s assassination. Originally titled Panjab 95the film was scheduled for release in 2023 but remained delayed for three years due to censorship issues. The CBFC reportedly sought over 120 cuts, which the director declined to accept.

After remaining unreleased for three years, Satluj quietly premiered on ZEE5 on July 3. Within hours, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) instructed the streaming platform to remove the film. During an Instagram Live session, Diljit Dosanjh revealed he had expected the ban. Despite its removal, he expressed satisfaction that many viewers managed to watch it. Meanwhile, the IDC will review Satluj and is expected to submit recommendations regarding its content soon.