'Satluj' actor Geetika Vidya pens emotional note after OTT removal, says "we carried this film quietly in our hearts"
Mumbai, July 8
'Satluj' actress Geetika Vidya has shared an emotional note on social media, expressing gratitude for being part of the film that tells the story of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra.
Geetika, who essays the role of Jaswant Singh Khalra's wife, Paramjit Kaur Khalra, revealed that the film had been a long and deeply personal journey for its makers.
"For four years, we carried this film quietly in our hearts, hoping for the day we could finally share it with you. Today, that hope feels both fulfilled and unfinished, as Satluj finds its voice in some places while remaining silenced in others," she wrote.
The actor described portraying Paramjit Kaur Khalra as a privilege, while also expressing gratitude for sharing screen space with Diljit Dosanjh, who plays Jaswant Singh Khalra in the film.
"It was an honour to step into the world of Bibi Paramjit and to stand beside @diljitdosanjh in telling the story of Jaswant Singh Khalra ji and the family whose love endured what words never fully can describe," she added.
Geetika also praised director Honey Trehan, acknowledging his conviction in bringing the story to the screen.
"In admiration of @honeytrehan for his decision," she wrote, before recalling Trehan's oft-repeated words, "#Nirbhau #Nirvair."
Diljit Dosanjh starrer 'Satluj', premiered on ZEE5 on July 3 but was taken down from the platform within two days.
The film is based on the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra from Punjab, who exposed alleged illegal killings and secret cremations during the late 1980s and early 1990s when Punjab witnessed intense militancy and counter-insurgency operations. Khalra himself was 'disappeared' in 1995, and his body was found near the Harike Bridge on the Sutlej River. He was allegedly kidnapped, tortured and killed at the behest of the then-Punjab Police officials.
Helmed by Honey Trehan, produced by RSVP and MacGuffin Pictures, 'Satluj' also starred Arjun Rampal, Kanwaljit Singh, Suvinder Vicky, and Geetika Vidya Ohlyan.
— ANI
Reader Comments
As someone who grew up outside India, I had never heard of Jaswant Singh Khalra until now. This is exactly the kind of content that needs to be available on global platforms. The suppression of this film is concerning - what are they afraid of people knowing?
The timing of this removal raises serious questions. If the film was approved by CBFC and voluntarily released by ZEE5, why pull it in 48 hours? Either there's political pressure or the platform is scared of backlash. Either way, it's a disservice to the martyrs of Punjab. #JusticeForKhalra
Geetika's words are so touching. "Carried this film quietly in our hearts for four years" - imagine the dedication. I hope this gets more attention now and some other platform picks it up. Diljit Dosanjh choosing this role shows he's not just about entertainment but about meaningful cinema too. ❤️
A balanced perspective: While I understand the emotional significance of this film, we should also remember that the Punjab militancy era was complex with many victims on all sides. Telling one story shouldn't mean ignoring others. However, the removal does seem odd - either show it fully or don't release at all. Half measures help nobody.
The phrase 'Nirbhau Nirvair' used by the director is so powerful - it's the Sikh concept of being without fear and without enmity. That's exactly the spirit needed to tell stories like this. Shame on those who try to suppress narratives that don't fit their agenda. Satluj will find its way to the people, mark my words
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.