Chandigarh: Paramjit Kaur Khalra, wife of the late human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, has criticized the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) for demanding 120 cuts to the biopic 'Punjab '95', which depicts her husband’s life and work. In a statement, she expressed deep concern that these changes undermine the legacy of her husband and distort crucial historical events related to Punjab’s struggle for justice.
Three years ago, the Khalra family had approved the script for the biopic, directed by Honey Trehan and featuring actor Diljit Dosanjh as Jaswant Singh Khalra. After viewing the final cut of the film last year, Paramjit Kaur stated that the family was pleased with how it portrayed her husband's fight for human rights with respect and accuracy. The film, she noted, was well-researched and based on factual records from court documents and official reports, reflecting the grim reality of extrajudicial killings in Punjab during that period.
However, the CBFC’s demand to remove key elements—including Jaswant Singh Khalra’s name, references to Gurbani, and facts about the mass killings—has alarmed the family. Paramjit Kaur pointed out that these events are well-documented in public records, court judgments, and reports by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). She questioned the CBFC's decision to alter such factual details, viewing it as a dishonor to her husband’s legacy and to the Sikh and Punjabi communities worldwide.
'Punjab '95' was originally selected for the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in 2023 but was later withdrawn due to ongoing legal battles between the producers, RSVP, and the CBFC. The Khalra family expressed frustration with the CBFC’s increasing list of cuts, despite attempts by the film’s makers to meet their demands.
Paramjit Kaur appealed to the CBFC to avoid excessive censorship that distorts historical realities. She also requested that the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) and Akal Takht Sahib review the film for their valuable input. Additionally, she emphasized the Khalra family’s legal right to review the final cut of the film before it is released in theaters or on streaming platforms.
The family reiterated their support for the film’s original vision and Diljit Dosanjh’s portrayal of Jaswant Singh Khalra. They remain hopeful for a swift resolution, allowing the biopic to release in its true form, preserving the integrity of Jaswant Singh Khalra’s story and his fight for justice.
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