Honey Trehan: People in power probably don’t want to see a Muslim or Sikh hero on screen

Casting director-turned-filmmaker Honey Trehan has been dealing with censorship troubles for a long time now, after the censor board ask for 127 cuts in his directorial Panjab ‘95. However, the makers refused to make the cuts, and as a result, Panjab ‘95 is yet to get a clearance for release. In a recent interview, Honey spoke about the increasing amount of censorship and creative self-censorship that has been taking place in the industry, including major casting choices.

Speaking to Indian Express, Honey spoke about the filmmakers’ insistence to keep their protagonist Hindu, despite casting Muslim A-list actors for the role. Recalling an instance where the makers of a film he was once associated with decided to change the religion of the protagonist. He added, “It was based on a true-life Muslim character. But because it’s a big budget film with an A-list star, the character has been made Hindu.” 

Honey underlined how such decisions are driven by a fear in the society that “People in power probably don’t want to see a real-life hero come from a minority, whether it’s Sikh, Muslim or Christian.”

Among other related subjects, Honey also expressed his surprise at how films like The Kashmir Files (2022), The Kerala Story (2023), Emergency (2025), The Bengal Files (2025), and The Sabarmati Report (2024) received a clean release from the censor board, while his films has been withheld due to the fear of disrupting the unite of the nation. “Only the Punjab law and order would disrupt the unity of the nation? Perhaps if I had a Muslim as a villain or if I showed Muslims in negative light, then I would’ve also gotten standing ovation in the Parliament,” Honey added. 

Panjab ‘95 stars Diljit Dosanjh and Arjun Rampal in prominent roles. Honey was also the director for recently-released Raat Akeli Hai: Bansal Murders.

Previously, Honey Trehan has worked as a casting director on many prominent films like Delhi Belly, 7 Khoon Maaf, Udta Punjab, and Talvar among others.