Ever since Satluj briefly premiered on Zee5 before being taken down, the film has remained at the centre of conversations. While the controversy surrounding its removal grabbed headlines, many viewers have been equally curious about the characters and the real people behind them.
Directed by Honey Trehan, Satluj is inspired by the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra whose investigation into illegal cremations during Punjab’s militancy years became one of India’s most significant human rights cases.
Here’s a look at who plays whom in the film and the real-life figures that inspired them.
Diljit Dosanjh As Jaswant Singh Khalra
Diljit Dosanjh steps into the role of Jaswant Singh Khalra, the human rights activist at the heart of the story. Khalra uncovered evidence of thousands of alleged illegal cremations by examining municipal records and cremation registers in Punjab. His findings brought national attention to the issue and eventually put him in direct conflict with the authorities.
In September 1995, Khalra was abducted outside his home. Years later, after a CBI investigation and lengthy court proceedings, six Punjab Police officials were convicted in connection with his abduction and murder.
Arjun Rampal As The CBI Officer
Arjun Rampal plays the CBI officer who investigates Khalra’s disappearance after the Supreme Court orders a probe. Unlike several other characters, this is not a direct portrayal of one real individual. The role is understood to be a fictionalised investigator inspired by multiple officers who were involved in the CBI investigation.
The character also serves as the film’s narrator and guides viewers through the investigation. One of Arjun’s monologues on accountability and police brutality has gone viral following the film’s removal from Zee5.
Geetika Vidya Ohlyan As Paramjit Kaur Khalra
Geetika Vidya Ohlyan portrays Paramjit Kaur Khalra, Jaswant Singh Khalra’s wife. Following her husband’s disappearance, Paramjit Kaur fought a relentless legal battle to seek justice. She approached the Supreme Court, which later ordered a CBI investigation into the case.
Is Kanwaljit Singh’s DGP Bitta Based On KPS Gill?
Veteran actor Kanwaljit Singh plays senior police officer DGP Bitta. Although the makers have not officially confirmed that the character is based on former Punjab DGP KPS Gill, it is widely believed that the role draws inspiration from him. Through the character, the film explores the functioning of the Punjab Police during one of the state’s most turbulent periods.
Suvinder Vicky As SSP Surjit Singh Sugga
Kohrra actor Suvinder Vicky plays SSP Surjit Singh Sugga. The character is believed to be inspired by Ajit Singh Sandhu, the then Tarn Taran SSP, who was named during the investigation into Khalra’s abduction. Sandhu allegedly died by suicide in 1997 while legal proceedings in the case were still underway.
Jagjeet Sandhu As Special Police Officer Kuljeet Singh
Jagjeet Sandhu plays Special Police Officer Kuljeet Singh, whose testimony becomes a turning point in the investigation. The role is inspired by Kuldeep Singh, an SPO who reportedly testified during the CBI investigation. His testimony proved crucial in helping investigators build the case that eventually led to the conviction of six Punjab Police officials.
While Satluj closely follows the broad timeline of Jaswant Singh Khalra’s life and the investigation that followed his disappearance, not every character is a direct representation of a real person.
Originally released on Zee5 on July 3 after years of delays and certification hurdles, Satluj was removed from the platform within two days.
