Mumbai, July 16,2026: Actor and singer Diljit Dosanjh accepted a symbolic payment of just Indian INR-1 for his role in the film Sutlej after being deeply moved by the story of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, director Trehan has revealed.
In a recent interview, Trehan said Diljit made the decision after listening to the screenplay and learning about the life and legacy of Khalra, whose struggle for human rights forms the basis of the film.
According to the director, the actor became emotional after hearing the script and seeing Khalra’s photograph. Feeling that it would be inappropriate to earn a regular acting fee for portraying such an influential figure, Diljit chose to accept only one rupee as a symbolic payment.
Trehan said the actor believed it would be wrong to profit from a film centred on a man who devoted his life to exposing human rights violations.
The filmmaker revealed that he repeatedly urged Diljit to accept his standard remuneration, but the actor remained firm in his decision. Eventually, Diljit agreed to receive only ₹1 so that the legal requirements of the contract could be fulfilled.
Trehan also praised Diljit’s professionalism and dedication throughout the production, saying he remained fully committed to the project and supported the team at every stage of filming.
Even when production schedules were delayed, the actor reportedly never complained and continued to cooperate with the cast and crew.
The director added that Diljit’s commitment extended beyond his on-screen performance, reflecting his deep respect for Jaswant Singh Khalra and the significance of the story being told.
Sutlej has recently attracted attention after it was removed from the ZEE5 streaming platform just two days after its release, prompting widespread discussion among audiences and industry observers.
While the reasons behind the film’s removal remain under scrutiny, Trehan’s revelation about Diljit’s symbolic fee has drawn widespread praise from fans, who have lauded the actor for placing the film’s historical and humanitarian significance above financial considerations.
Many have described Diljit’s decision as a heartfelt tribute to Jaswant Singh Khalra’s legacy and a reflection of his commitment to honouring the memory of a man whose contributions to human rights continue to resonate years after his death.
