Archive · 9 Aug 2026
Jimmy Shergill on why Diljit Dosanjh's Satluj struck nerve
Jimmy Shergill is a famous Indian actor.
He talked about a movie called "Satluj" that stars another famous actor-singer, Diljit Dosanjh.
The movie is about a brave man named Jaswant Singh Khalra who fought for people's rights.
It was shown on a streaming service called ZEE5, but it disappeared from the platform in India just two days later.
Before that, the movie was stuck in censorship for more than three years and had to make over 127 changes.
Jimmy explained that movies about sensitive parts of history bring hidden truths into the open, which makes things political and complicated.
He also remembered his very first movie, "Maachis," which was directed by the famous filmmaker Gulzar and set in Punjab in the 1980s.
People loved "Maachis," it was a big success, and it won two awards at the National Film Awards.
Jimmy said he was a nervous newcomer, but Gulzar believed in him and helped him through a tough monologue scene.
Now Jimmy can be seen in the Netflix series "Operation Safed Sagar."
Jimmy Shergill said films about politically sensitive periods of history bring hidden truths to the surface, making things complicated and political.
Diljit Dosanjh's Satluj, based on human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, became unavailable on ZEE5 in India two days after its release.
Satluj was stuck in censorship for over three years and was given more than 127 cuts by the Central Board of Film Certification.
Shergill's debut film Maachis, directed by Gulzar and set during the 1980s Punjab insurgency, was critically acclaimed and a commercial hit.
Maachis won two honours at the 44th National Film Awards, including Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment and Best Actress for Tabu.
- Who
- Actor Jimmy Shergill, discussing the streaming film Satluv and his debut film Maachis, directed by Gulzar.
- What
- Satluj, starring Diljit Dosanjh and based on Jaswant Singh Khalra, was removed from ZEE5 in India two days after release, following over three years in censorship with more than 127 cuts.
- When
- Satluj released on ZEE5 last month; Shergill spoke in a recent interview with PTI.
- Where
- India (on the ZEE5 streaming platform)
- Why
- Shergill said films portraying politically sensitive periods reveal hidden truths, making things naturally complicated and political.
Free expression advocates
Censors and regulators
Handling politically sensitive films
Free expression advocates
Such films should reach audiences because they stir up issues and bring every hidden aspect out into the open, as Shergill said.
Censors and regulators
Satluj was held in censorship for over three years, required more than 127 cuts, and was removed from ZEE5 in India two days after release.
Similar themes, different treatment
Free expression advocates
Maachis, which also dealt with Punjab's turbulent period, was released, critically acclaimed, and commercially successful.
Censors and regulators
Satluj, on a similarly sensitive subject, did not see a proper release and was pulled from the streaming platform within two days.
- Film
- Satluj
- Lead star
- Diljit Dosanjh
- Subject
- Life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra
- Streaming platform
- ZEE5
- Time in censorship
- Over three years
- Cuts ordered
- Over 127
- Availability on ZEE5 India
- Removed two days after release
- Shergill's debut film
- Maachis (directed by Gulzar)