Patiala (Punjab): A major uproar broke out in Patiala’s Bansa Wala Bazaar on Tuesday during the shoot of Punjabi singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh’s upcoming film, after local shopkeepers accused the police and film crew of shutting down the entire market without prior information. The protest quickly intensified as shopkeepers alleged that their signboards were removed or altered for the shoot, causing both financial loss and public inconvenience.
According to traders, Kotwali police began placing barricades before 9 AM. When shopkeepers arrived around 9:30 AM to open their establishments, they were denied entry into the market. With the entire stretch closed for filming, none of the shops could operate, effectively cutting them off from customers for hours.
Shopkeepers further argued that the market is private property, yet the administration neither sought permission nor informed them about the temporary closure. Many expressed frustration that their objections were ignored despite the disruption to their livelihoods.
The issue escalated when shopkeepers noticed that their original signboards had been either covered or removed. They alleged that the film crew:
• Replaced or concealed their original boards
• Installed Urdu-script signboards to suit the film’s visuals
• Altered the look of several shops without seeking approval
When questioned, police officials reportedly told them that the changes were required for the scene and would be reversed after the shoot.
Traders also objected to film crew members climbing onto their rooftops without permission, calling the act unsafe and unwelcome. Amid the commotion, Diljit Dosanjh completed his scenes and exited the location.
The film is currently being shot at multiple heritage sites across Patiala, including earlier sequences filmed at the historic Qila Mubarak. The title of the project has not yet been disclosed by the production team.
