Diljit Bats For Free Speech, Says 'Udta Punjab' Doesn't Defame Punjabi Community

While it was heartening to see several popular names from the film fraternity – including Amitabh Bachchan to express their support for the ‘Udta Punjab’ during their battle with the censor board after it suggested 89 cuts in the movie, Punjabi superstar Diljit Dosanjh, who plays a key role, kept mum. But when we met Bollywood debutante in the capital, he too joined the debate stating there is no point in killing creativity.

The actor supported free speech and freedom of expression and clearly stated that there is no problem in letting people decide what’s correct for them.

“I got to know about CBFC during the ‘Udta Punjab’ controversy. Please pardon me for my lack of knowledge. But what I have got to know is that the Censor Board’s job is to certify films and not censor them. The government has set an age limit (above 18 years) which explains that people know what’s good and bad. People are mature enough to make a choice. And we are living in an age where internet is available and the medium doesn’t ask for any specific age group. So I think people should be given the chance to know whether they should or shouldn’t watch," he stated.

For the uninitiated, the Abhishek Chaubey-directed film, stars Kareena Kapoor, Alia Bhatt and Diljit Dosanjh, and deals with the drug menace in the state of Punjab. But the film faced issues in getting a certificate by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) until the changes suggested by them were made. But the HC asked the CBFC to give ‘Udta Punjab’ a certificate and not censor them.

Since the film delves deeper into drug trading in the state, many felt the project defamed Punjab. But Diljit doesn’t agree.

“I’m a Punjabi myself. I belong to a Punjabi family. My parents stay in Punjab. Honestly, nobody trashes what belongs to them. But yes, issues that need to be highlighted, should be focused upon. There is no harm in discussing such issues," he said.

Film ‘Udta Punjab’ which is slated for its official release on June 17, was leaked online on Wednesday, a couple of days before it hit the theatres. But the team was successful in remove it online which was available on torrent sites for illegal download.