Diljit Dosanjh film shoot leads to tension in Patiala market over Persian-script hoardings

High drama unfolded in Patiala’s Old Market area on Tuesday morning during the shooting of a film featuring popular Punjabi singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh.

The situation escalated when several shopkeepers objected to the sudden installation of hoardings in Persian script over their shop fronts. The traders claimed that their consent had not been taken before the hoardings were put up, prompting a heated exchange with the film crew.

A police officer, requesting anonymity, said the production team had sought permission to shoot sequences depicting a “Pakistani market setup” for the film. Similar shoots, recreating the same setting, were carried out in markets of Malerkotla and Sangrur on Monday invited minor resistance.

However, the appearance of Persian-script boards in Patiala triggered immediate objection from local shopkeepers, who began raising slogans and demanding the removal of the hoardings. Sensing the rising tempers, the crew rushed through shots and wrapped up the schedule in haste.

Police personnel present at the spot said the situation is now under control and normalcy has been restored in the area.

Meanwhile, sources said Diljit Dosanjh, who was in the city for the shoot, also met a group of elderly women earlier in the day and sought their blessings before leaving.