In the past couple of years, Diljit Dosanjh has reached another level of fame. From being a Punjabi singer-actor, he became a global phenomenon. However, with fame comes controversies, and even Diljit isn’t immune to it. Most recent has been around his latest movie ‘Sardaar Ji 3,’ featuring Pakistani actress Hania Aamir. In the wake of India-Pak’s strained relationship, especially following the Pahalgam attack and the retaliation, the makers decided not to release the film in India. Another of Diljit Dosanjh’s films that has been a topic of discussion right from the word go is Punjab’ 95. Based on the life and struggles of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Kalra, this Honey Trehan directorial has been stuck with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) since December 2022. Starring Dilljit Dosanjh as Jaswant Singh Kalra, this film didn’t pass the CBFC, and the board suggested 127 cuts. According to Honey Trehan, if they make 127 cuts, the movie will be nothing but a trailer.
Removing Punjab from the title of Punjab ’95
Speaking about the changes, in an interview with NDTV, Honey questioned the board’s logic behind the cuts, especially behind their suggestion of removing Punjab from the title. He said, “The story is set in Punjab. Why would any sensible person remove ‘Punjab’ from the title itself? They are Punjabi cops wearing a turban, and they tell me to call them ‘Police’ and not ‘Punjab Police’. Where is the logic?” “They also said, don’t take Indira Gandhi’s name. Okay, so then what should I call her? There’s a film called Emergency that has been made on her whole life, and I can’t even have one person take her name in the film? Why such partiality?” he added.
“I have no words,” Honey Trehan
Expressing his frustration on the lack of artist freedom, he continued, “I have waited and been patient for two and a half years. If you can’t express through your art, then where is the democracy?” “I have no words. This is how it is right now. Beyond a point, it’s in nobody’s control,” he concluded.
