Filmmaker Honey Trehan’s Punjab 95 has been in the news lately for the CBFC (Central Board of Film Certification) asking for over 120 cuts. Along with Diljit Dosanjh and Arjun Rampal, the film also stars Geetika Vidya Ohlyan, who is known for her work in Soni and Barah x Barah. She spoke about her role in Punjab 95 and her experience of doing the film in an interview with us.
Geetika Vidya Ohlyan on CBFC asking for over 120 cuts in Punjab 95, “For a country that stands 151st on World Press Freedom Index, it is not surprising that the censor board is behaving the way it is”
How important is your participation in Honey Trehan’s Punjab 95 to your career?
My involvement in Punjab 95 is valuable to me, both professionally and personally. I come from Haryana and Haryana comes from Punjab. Punjab 95 offers archival value for a vast section of India’s population and the global Sikh diaspora, capturing stories that deserve to be told and remembered. I’ve played a Sikh woman for the first time in my career which made me become a part of something larger than myself and I am grateful to Honey Trehan for the same. Mr. Diljit Dosanjh, Mr. Arjun Rampal, Suvinder Vicky, Varun Badola, working with such seasoned actors offered me invaluable lessons and have helped me evolve as a performer .
What was your reaction to the life and struggles of Jaswant Singh Khalra when you heard about them?
When I discovered the atrocities committed against Shaheed Jaswantji, I wept at the inhumanity of sinners and perpetrators. It was a rainy day, I had received a call from Utsav, reached Honey’s office almost drenched in rain. After a two and a half hour long narration, I was drenched yet again but this time in my own tears, angered and moved by the unfortunately true narrative.
The wife is a small but strong presence in the film. How did you ensure that the character gets her due?
First of all, I salute Bibi Paramjit Kaur, who continues to stand at the forefront of activism started by Shaheed Jaswant ji 30 years ago. Bibi reminds me of the Sikh women warriors like Mai Bhago ji and resilient Sikh women like Mata Gujri (Shri Guru Gobind Ji’s mother). Sikhs have a history of women warriors sacrificing their loved ones and fighting tooth and nail with enemies. After Shaheed Jaswant Ji’s abduction, instead of sitting inside the house with fear, she became a formidable force, ensuring that the Supreme Court ordered a CBI inquiry within just three days. To do justice to her character, I drew strength from the courageous women in my own life—my Naani, my mother—and from the collective spirit of the women of Punjab and Haryana. My aim was to channel their resilience and honour Bibi’s real-life heroism on screen.
Did you meet the real Mrs Khalra? Was it hard to play her as she is still with us?
I couldn’t muster the courage to meet Bibi. Also, she was in Canada while I was preparing but mostly I lacked the spine to face her and not break down. I do speak with Navkiran sometimes who approves of my portrayal. The fact that Bibi is with us and will watch the movie made me be my most sincere self. Each day, I was motivated to know that I will get to hear the verdict of my efforts from the one I am trying to portray.
What is your opinion on the censor board asking for a crippling 127 cuts in the movie? Why do you think this film must be seen by the world?
For a country that stands 151st on World Press Freedom Index, it is somehow not surprising that the censor board is behaving the way it is. In my opinion, their demands are callous. If art is not allowed to comfort the disturbed and disturb the comfortable, what is? The systematic attempts to rewrite history have always been obnoxious. And that is what’s happening again. Wounds only heal when they are treated, not when they are suppressed or their existence denied. By denying the genocidal atrocities committed against Sikhs, no one is going to contribute in healing of any kind. The movie needs to be seen so that a certain chapter of Sikh community’s history comes to light and the undying spirit of Shaheed Jaswant ji and inspiring courage of Bibi Paramjit reaches people’s hearts
Despite your undeniable talent, why are you seen so sparingly?
Thank you for calling my talent undeniable. With releases being sparse, validation helps. There might be multiple reasons for. Not being able to understand and hence utilise the Mumbai PR and networking ecosystem can be one. Not being represented by a big agency might be another. Being a first generation film actor, I am ready for my share of challenges and I would like my audience and fans to keep rooting for me. I am learning the ways of this ecosystem and I am here to stay. I am looking forward to Punjab 95 and Hawaii Fire (opposite Jaideep Ahlawat) to reach you really soon.
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