Diljit Dosanjh Took No Money to Play Jaswant Singh Khalra, Reveals Punjab ’95 Director Honey Trehan

As the release of Punjab ’95, the powerful biopic on slain human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, remains blocked due to heavy censorship, director Honey Trehan has made a heartfelt revelation about the film’s lead actor, Diljit Dosanjh.

In a recent conversation with journalist Sucharita Tyagi, Trehan disclosed that Diljit did not ask for any remuneration to portray Khalra — a role that has stirred emotional and political conversation across the country.

Trehan said, “We paid him as per the contract, but Diljit paaji never once brought up money. I told him the contract doesn't mention exact remuneration, but he simply replied: ‘Paaji, this is about honour. If in your life you get a chance to play someone like Jaswant Singh Khalra, you don't talk about money. We are indebted to him for what he did for the community.’”

Trehan further added, “He said, ‘To get this opportunity and then bring up money? That would be a disgrace.’”

The film, originally titled Ghallughara, has faced major roadblocks from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), which reportedly demanded over 120 cuts before approval. In response, both Trehan and Diljit have refused to make the changes, stating that doing so would compromise the integrity of Khalra’s real-life story and dilute its impact.

Punjab ’95 traces the life and work of Jaswant Singh Khalra, who courageously exposed the illegal cremations and enforced disappearances of thousands of Sikhs during the insurgency years in Punjab. Khalra was abducted and murdered in 1995, and his case remains a painful chapter in India's human rights history.

As public support for the film’s release continues to mount, many see Dosanjh’s gesture as one of rare sincerity and respect. His decision not to charge for the role underscores the gravity and emotional depth attached to portraying such an iconic figure.

With no confirmed release date yet, Punjab ’95 stands at a critical junction — a film caught between censorship and truth, and an actor’s tribute to a man who sacrificed everything in the fight for justice.

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