Archive · 5 Aug 2025
Punjab 95: Film Censors Clash with Khalra's Legacy
Jaswant Singh Khalra was a brave person who uncovered the killings of many people by the police in India.
A film about his life, starring Diljit Dosanjh and called 'Punjab 95', was made but has not been released in India because of censorship.
The government wants to make big changes, like taking out Khalra's name, so the story is changed.
A school in America honors him for his courage.
Jaswant Singh Khalra investigated alleged abductions and killings by Punjab Police in the 1990s.
Khalra's investigation revealed over 2,000 unclaimed bodies cremated by police in three districts.
A film based on Khalra's life, titled 'Punjab 95' and starring Diljit Dosanjh, faces censorship.
The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has requested numerous cuts to the film.
A school in California was named after Khalra, while the film remains unreleased in India.
- Who
- Jaswant Singh Khalra, Diljit Dosanjh, the CBFC, and Honey Trehan.
- What
- A film about human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra's life is facing censorship issues.
- When
- Khalra was abducted and murdered in 1995; the film 'Punjab 95' has faced censorship for over a year.
- Where
- The events primarily took place in Punjab, India, with recognition of Khalra's legacy in the US.
- Why
- The CBFC is censoring the film due to its documentation of state excesses.
Film Supporters
Censors
Accuracy vs Censorship
Film Supporters
Advocate for accurate depiction, demanding uncensored release.
Censors
The CBFC attempts to limit the film's content.
- Main Subject
- Jaswant Singh Khalra
- Occupation
- Human Rights Activist
- Film Title
- Punjab 95
- Lead Actor
- Diljit Dosanjh
- Director
- Honey Trehan
- Year of Abduction & Murder
- 1995
- Number of bodies exposed
- Over 2,000