Diljit Dosanjh's long-delayed biographical drama Punjab 95, later retitled Satluj, is back in the spotlight after briefly becoming available on ZEE5. This time, however, people are talking about something else. Director Honey Trehan has revealed that the Punjabi singer-actor did not charge a fee for playing the lead role. Yes, you read that right!

Diljit Dosanjh was very committed to playing human rights activist Sardar Jaswant Singh Khalra, claimed Satluj director Honey Trehan. Speaking to film critic Sucharita Tyagi, he said the Punjabi actor-singer agreed to do the movie without ever asking about his payment.

"Diljit Dosanjh never asked a single rupee to play this role. Haath jod kar he said, 'Waheguru ji'." The filmmaker recalled, he said 'Paaji kab aana hai, kithe aana hai, tuhi bas das do, mein uthhe khada milunga'.

(Image: X/JatinTweets_)

The filmmaker's statement has now gone viral on social media. Many users have praised Diljit Dosanjh for his commitment to a film that has faced years of delays and an uncertain release.

ALSO READ - 'I Challenge The Darkness': Diljit Dosanjh Reacts After Satluj Removed From ZEE5 In India

Who Is Jaswant Singh Khalra?

Satluj, which was produced by Ronnie Screwvala and directed by Honey Trehan, stars Diljit Dosanjh as Sardar Jaswant Singh Khalra, a human rights activist who looked into suspected illicit cremations and enforced disappearances in Punjab in the 1990s.

Satluj centres on an important and delicate period of Punjab's history and follows Khalra's quest for justice and the truth. The biographical drama also features Suvinder Vicky as Davinder Singh, Arjun Rampal as Samudra Singh, and Geetanjali Kulkarni as Paramjit Kaur Khalra.

ALSO READ - Satluj Twitter Review: Netizens Call It A Must-Watch, Hail Diljit Dosanjh As 'Hero No. 1 In India'

Satluj Movie Controversy

The movie, first titled Punjab 95, was supposed to be released worldwide in theatres in 2025. However, it arrived on ZEE5 after failing to release in cinemas. But two days later, the movie was removed from the OTT platform. Did you know Diljit Dosanjh admitted in a live social media exchange that there were worries the movie would be removed before it was taken down?

According to reports, the abrupt withdrawal of the movie was caused by worries that anti-India groups would exploit some parts of the biopic. ZEE5 confirmed the removal and stated that it still supports the film's artistic vision and is looking into all legal options to get it back for audiences as soon as possible.

Discussions about the movie, which has been marred for a number of years by delays, a title change, and release uncertainty, were further ignited by the unexpected takedown.