The controversy surrounding Diljit Dosanjh’s film Satluj (formerly titled Punjab 95) continues to intensify. After the film was removed from ZEE5 India within 48 hours of its release, several artists have come out in its support. Actress Gul Panag has now backed Diljit Dosanjh and director Honey Trehan, questioning the film’s removal. She shared a detailed post on X, stating that India should not be afraid of confronting difficult chapters of its history. She said films can be debated and criticised, but banning them is never the answer.

Recalling her experiences during the years of militancy in Punjab, Gul said she had heard stories of people being pulled off buses and killed, while many innocent youngsters were detained and tortured without committing any crime. According to her, these experiences make it even more important for such stories to be told. She wrote, “I grew up in Punjab during the brutal years of militancy. I remember reading newspaper headlines about buses being stopped and innocent passengers being pulled out and killed. I also remember accounts of young men being picked up, detained and tortured, despite having nothing to do with the movement. Including from my village.”

Gul further said Punjab had overcome separatism after immense struggle, and believing that one film could revive such sentiments would be an underestimation of the state’s resilience.