Diljit Dosanjh took a week off after Satluj: It stayed with me
Actor Diljit Dosanjh's earlier comments on Satluj have resurfaced after ZEE5 removed the film in India. Dosanjh shared how he was emotioanlly drained while shooting for the film.
As Diljit Dosanjh's Satluj continues to make headlines following its removal from ZEE5 in India, the actor's earlier remarks about the emotional impact of the film have resurfaced. Dosanjh had described Satluj as the "hardest" film of his career, revealing that he needed a week to recover after the shoot because of its emotionally draining subject.
Speaking to Variety India, the 42-year-old actor said researching the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra was deeply distressing. "There are a lot of documents, real accounts and testimonies that were so difficult even to read. Most of these real-life incidents were heart-wrenching. I was unable to process all of it. There were times during the research that I broke down because the reality was so strong and heavy," he said.
The Chamkila actor added that the film only scratches the surface of the horrors it portrays, adding that the real events were far more painful than what could be shown on screen. He said portraying Jaswant Singh Khalra's story stayed with him throughout the shoot, as the activist knowingly risked both his life and his family's safety to stand by the truth.
"It's not a story of a single person but one about unprecedented courage in unimaginable circumstances. Jaswant Singh Khalra knew the risks to himself and his family, yet he stood by the truth. That kind of courage is very rare, and you cannot approach it with anything but responsibility," he added.
Reflecting on the shooting, Dosanjh revealed that the experience took a heavy emotional and physical toll on the entire team." Emotionally and physically, it extracted everything out of all of us. There were long days, difficult conditions and intense scenes. I think this isperhaps the first film in my career which required me to recuperate after the shoot," he shared.
Unlike his usual routine of moving on to the next project, Dosanjh said he deliberately took a week's break after filming Satluj.
Satluj removed from OTT
The film, which started streaming on ZEE5 from July 3, was removed from the OTT by July 5. Following the removal, the streaming platform in a statement said it continues to stand by the film, its makers and its creative vision. ZEE5 added that it is exploring legal options to bring it back for viewers in India.
“The response to Satluj since its release has been truly overwhelming. We are deeply grateful to every viewer who chose tosubscribe, watch and champion the film. Your love and support have meant a great deal to us and to everyone who brought this story to life (sic),” the statement read.
“At Zee5, we stand firmly by Satluj and the creative vision behind it. We believe powerful storytelling hasthe ability to inspire, endure and leave a lasting impact. We remain committedto championing authentic and meaningful narratives (sic),” it continued.
Diljit Dosanjh reacts to film’s removal from OTT
Diljit Dosanjh reacted to the film being taken down on OTT with a post, translated from Punjabi read, "#ichallengethedarkness. Shaheed Jaswant Singh Khalra Ji. #Panjab95. Satluj iswhat happened to Khalra Saab (sic).”
Directed by Honey Trehan, Satluj follows the story of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra and his relentless fight for justice during one of Punjab's darkest chapters. Inspired by true events, the film chronicles Khalra's efforts to expose the alleged illegal cremation of thousands of unidentified bodies during the militancy era, shedding light on a harrowing period in the state's history.
As Diljit Dosanjh's Satluj continues to make headlines following its removal from ZEE5 in India, the actor's earlier remarks about the emotional impact of the film have resurfaced. Dosanjh had described Satluj as the "hardest" film of his career, revealing that he needed a week to recover after the shoot because of its emotionally draining subject.
Speaking to Variety India, the 42-year-old actor said researching the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra was deeply distressing. "There are a lot of documents, real accounts and testimonies that were so difficult even to read. Most of these real-life incidents were heart-wrenching. I was unable to process all of it. There were times during the research that I broke down because the reality was so strong and heavy," he said.
The Chamkila actor added that the film only scratches the surface of the horrors it portrays, adding that the real events were far more painful than what could be shown on screen. He said portraying Jaswant Singh Khalra's story stayed with him throughout the shoot, as the activist knowingly risked both his life and his family's safety to stand by the truth.
"It's not a story of a single person but one about unprecedented courage in unimaginable circumstances. Jaswant Singh Khalra knew the risks to himself and his family, yet he stood by the truth. That kind of courage is very rare, and you cannot approach it with anything but responsibility," he added.
Reflecting on the shooting, Dosanjh revealed that the experience took a heavy emotional and physical toll on the entire team." Emotionally and physically, it extracted everything out of all of us. There were long days, difficult conditions and intense scenes. I think this isperhaps the first film in my career which required me to recuperate after the shoot," he shared.
Unlike his usual routine of moving on to the next project, Dosanjh said he deliberately took a week's break after filming Satluj.
Satluj removed from OTT
The film, which started streaming on ZEE5 from July 3, was removed from the OTT by July 5. Following the removal, the streaming platform in a statement said it continues to stand by the film, its makers and its creative vision. ZEE5 added that it is exploring legal options to bring it back for viewers in India.
“The response to Satluj since its release has been truly overwhelming. We are deeply grateful to every viewer who chose tosubscribe, watch and champion the film. Your love and support have meant a great deal to us and to everyone who brought this story to life (sic),” the statement read.
“At Zee5, we stand firmly by Satluj and the creative vision behind it. We believe powerful storytelling hasthe ability to inspire, endure and leave a lasting impact. We remain committedto championing authentic and meaningful narratives (sic),” it continued.
Diljit Dosanjh reacts to film’s removal from OTT
Diljit Dosanjh reacted to the film being taken down on OTT with a post, translated from Punjabi read, "#ichallengethedarkness. Shaheed Jaswant Singh Khalra Ji. #Panjab95. Satluj iswhat happened to Khalra Saab (sic).”
Directed by Honey Trehan, Satluj follows the story of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra and his relentless fight for justice during one of Punjab's darkest chapters. Inspired by true events, the film chronicles Khalra's efforts to expose the alleged illegal cremation of thousands of unidentified bodies during the militancy era, shedding light on a harrowing period in the state's history.
