Actor Sukhmani Sadana, who grew up in Amritsar during Punjab’s militancy period, says her role in the film ‘Satluj’ is small but the story is not. The film, directed by Honey Trehan and featuring Diljit Dosanjh as human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, has reignited conversations about one of Punjab’s most painful chapters. It has also faced censorship hurdles, which Sadana calls heartbreaking.
Growing up with stories of Punjab’s troubled past
Sadana recalls that during the militancy period, family dinner tables in Amritsar were dominated by one constant conversation: ensuring everyone was home before sunset. “I was very young, so I cannot honestly say I witnessed that period myself. But like so many families in Punjab, especially in Amritsar, I grew up hearing about it. I come from a joint family and my grandfather would often speak about those years. Those conversations were always emotional and they have stayed with me,” she said.
Playing a fearless reporter in ‘Satluj’
In ‘Satluj’, Sadana portrays a television reporter who appears in a pivotal scene. “My character in ‘Satluj’ is that of a fearless television reporter. She appears in one pivotal scene where, during a time when fear had silenced many voices, she dares to ask questions despite the risks. I have always believed that the strongest weapon a journalist has is the courage to ask the right question. There were many such fearless journalists at the time, and that is what drew me to this character,” she explained.
Honey Trehan had called her and said, “I do not want an actor to play this reporter — I want you to play yourself.” Sadana noted, “When someone you trust calls you for a story you truly believe in, saying yes becomes the easiest decision. I usually do not take up guest appearances, but this was never really a decision. Punjab is not just where I am from — it is a part of who I am. The role was small, but the story was not.”
Previous work on ‘Jogi’ and commitment to meaningful storytelling
Sadana previously co-wrote ‘Jogi’, another Diljit Dosanjh-starrer based on the 1984 anti-Sikh riots in Delhi and directed by Ali Abbas Zafar. “That film also explored a sensitive chapter in our history, so ‘Satluj’ felt like another opportunity to contribute to meaningful storytelling — this time as an actor,” she said.
Cast and crew’s dedication
Sadana praised the entire team’s commitment. “I have always known Honey to be an incredibly honest and respectful person. I knew whatever he made would come from a place of sincerity and that is exactly the kind of cinema I wanted to be associated with. Diljit is humble, gracious and deeply committed to his work. The same goes for Arjun Rampal. They genuinely care about the stories they tell,” she said.
Censorship battle and the power of stories
Sadana expressed dismay over the censorship hurdles ‘Satluj’ faced. “Stories about our history deserve to be told and history deserves to be remembered with honesty. Whether people agree with them or disagree with them should ultimately be for the audience to decide. That is the freedom every story deserves. You can delay a story, but you cannot erase it. Stories have a remarkable way of finding their audience,” she asserted.
Despite the challenges, she is content that the film has reached viewers who are engaging with it thoughtfully and sincerely.
