Diljit Dosanjh's Heartfelt Portrayal of Activist in 'Satluj' for Just Re 1

Diljit Dosanjh's Remarkable Role in 'Satluj'

In the film Satluj, Diljit Dosanjh's portrayal has garnered significant acclaim for its authenticity. Director Honey Trehan has shared an intriguing insight about Diljit's commitment to the role of renowned human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra. Trehan revealed that Diljit chose to accept a mere Re 1 for his performance, feeling it would be inappropriate to profit from such a significant character. Despite the film facing controversies surrounding its release, Diljit's selfless act is likely to resonate with many.

The Journey to Casting Diljit Dosanjh

Diljit Dosanjh's reaction after being offered the film

In an interview, Trehan mentioned that he never envisioned casting a mainstream Bollywood actor for Khalra's role. His primary focus was on authenticity, seeking an actor who truly understood Punjab's culture and history. He believed that casting someone unfamiliar with the region would detract from Khalra's narrative. Trehan stated that Diljit was the only actor who came to mind for this role. In January 2021, while Diljit was at Amritsar airport, Trehan reached out to him. Although their meeting was brief due to Diljit's travel schedule, he agreed to discuss the project.

During their conversation, they delved into Punjab's history, and Diljit expressed admiration for Khalra, unaware that Trehan was developing a film about him. Trehan presented a folder containing research materials, featuring Khalra's photo and the initials "JSK." Trehan recalled that Diljit was so moved that he touched the script to his forehead and exclaimed, "Waheguru."

Symbolic Payment for a Significant Role

Diljit charged Rs 1 for Satluj

When it came to discussing payment, Diljit reportedly declined a standard fee. Trehan recounted that Diljit stated, "How can I charge to play someone like Khalra? It would be shameful." However, since a formal contract required a payment figure, Trehan insisted on including a fee. Diljit then proposed the symbolic amount of Re 1, emphasizing that he did not wish to profit from portraying someone he held in high regard.

Satluj, previously known as Punjab '95, debuted on ZEE5 on July 3 after enduring several delays. The film explores one of Punjab's most tragic periods through the life of Jaswant Singh Khalra, who fought to reveal the truth behind the disappearances of numerous individuals during the insurgency in the 1990s. However, the film's release quickly became contentious.

Just two days post-premiere, Satluj was taken down from ZEE5. Reports indicate that the government is reviewing whether films released directly on OTT platforms should obtain mandatory certification from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) prior to streaming. Sources have indicated that this proposal is under consideration following allegations that Satluj was streamed without a CBFC certificate, which is legally required for public screenings.