Diljit Dosanjh is paying homage to Jaswant Singh Khalra through his upcoming film Punjab 95, a biopic based on the life of the human rights activist. Dosanjh recently shared a bloodstained behind-the-scenes (BTS) image, offering a glimpse into the movie's intense portrayal of Khalra's struggles.

Jaswant Singh Khalra, born on November 2, 1952, was a Sikh human rights activist who brought international attention to the alleged illegal killings and cremations of thousands of individuals by the Punjab police during the militancy period in the 1980s and 1990s. Khalra's activism began after the 1984 Sikh Genocide, the assassination of Indira Gandhi, and the anti-Sikh riots. During this period, the Punjab police were given broad powers, leading to accusations of detaining, killing unarmed suspects in staged encounters, and secretly cremating bodies to cover up the murders. Khalra investigated these abuses, uncovering evidence of thousands of illegal cremations and the alleged killing of police officers who refused to participate. On September 6, 1995, Khalra was abducted by Punjab police and allegedly killed while in custody.

Punjab 95, directed by Honey Trehan, aims to shed light on Khalra's life and work. Dosanjh's portrayal of Khalra has already generated buzz, with the actor sharing powerful posters and images that capture the activist's intensity and determination. One striking poster shows Dosanjh tied up, hinting at the struggles Khalra faced. The film has faced significant hurdles with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), which has demanded numerous cuts. Director Honey Trehan has resisted these demands, arguing that they would dilute the film's message. Reportedly, the CBFC asked to remove "Punjab" from the title, delete visuals of the Indian flag, mute gurbani sounds, avoid the term "Punjab police," change names of locations, and rename the film itself. Trehan questioned the logic behind these demands, especially the removal of "Punjab" from the title, given that the story is set in Punjab.

The film was initially slated to premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2023, but it was withdrawn. The release date has been delayed multiple times due to the censorship issues. Despite the controversies and delays, Diljit Dosanjh has remained committed to the project, using his platform to keep Khalra's story alive. He did not charge a fee for his role in Punjab 95.

Jaswant Singh Khalra's work exposed the human rights abuses that occurred in Punjab during a tumultuous period. His dedication to uncovering the truth, even in the face of threats and danger, made him a target. Dosanjh's portrayal of Khalra is a tribute to his courage and a reminder of the importance of fighting for justice. The film highlights the importance of remembering historical events and honoring those who fought for human rights. Despite the censorship challenges, Punjab 95 seeks to bring Khalra's story to a wider audience, ensuring that his legacy of truth and justice endures.