July 13, 2025: Punjabi superstar Diljit Dosanjh, who has transformed from a regional singer-actor to a global icon, is currently facing fresh controversy around his recent films, highlighting the challenges that come with fame in politically sensitive times.
One of the major controversies surrounds his upcoming film Punjab ’95, directed by Honey Trehan and based on the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Kalra. Despite anticipation, the movie has been stuck with India’s Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) since December 2022. The board reportedly suggested an astonishing 127 cuts to the film, which according to the director, would reduce the film to “nothing but a trailer.”
Among the most contentious demands from the CBFC is the removal of the word “Punjab” from the film’s title. Honey Trehan expressed disbelief at the logic behind this demand, stating, “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?”
The CBFC has also reportedly asked the filmmakers to avoid mentioning former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in the movie, further complicating the creative process.
This controversy follows another recent political decision affecting Diljit Dosanjh’s Sardaar Ji 3, which features Pakistani actress Hania Aamir. Due to strained India-Pak relations, especially after the Pahalgam attack and subsequent retaliations, the film’s makers opted not to release the movie in India.
With these developments, Diljit Dosanjh’s journey into politically sensitive cinematic subjects has become a focal point of debate about censorship, creative freedom, and the intersection of politics and art in India.