Shopkeepers Protest Against Urdu Signboards Installed Without Consent; Police Intervene as Tensions Escalate
Patiala, Punjab — A film production featuring renowned Punjabi singer and actor Diljit Dosanjh became the centre of a heated confrontation in Patiala on Tuesday when local shopkeepers clashed with the film crew over the installation of Urdu-language signboards in the historic Qila Chowk market area.
The Incident
The commotion began when production teams installed signboards written in Urdu outside shops to create an authentic Pakistani market scene for the film. The move sparked immediate backlash from shopkeepers who alleged they were never consulted or granted permission for the displays.
“Our consent was not obtained for the installation of these signs,” the shopkeepers complained, adding that they were prevented from opening their shops during the filming restrictions. The lack of prior communication and unauthorized use of their shop fronts infuriated the local business community.
Road Closures Intensify Tensions
To facilitate the shoot, police had barricaded roads in the Qila Chowk area, completely restricting public movement. The restrictions took effect early Tuesday morning when the actor began shooting. Shopkeepers attempting to access their establishments around 9 a.m. found themselves blocked by barricades and police personnel.
“Despite repeated appeals, the police refused to allow us to proceed,” shopkeepers stated, describing the ordeal. This initial resistance to their passage escalated into an altercation between the merchants and police officers, who were enforcing production security measures.
The Breaking Point
After approximately 30 minutes of standoff, police removed the barricades and allowed shopkeepers to access their shops. However, the discovery of Urdu signboards still hanging outside their establishments reignited anger among the merchants.
Enraged by the continued presence of the signs, shopkeepers began shouting slogans and demanding their immediate removal. A heated argument erupted between the business owners and members of the film crew. As tensions mounted and the situation threatened to spiral further out of control, the production team hastily wrapped up the shots and suspended filming altogether.
Grievances and Losses
Shopkeepers expressed multiple concerns about the filming operation. Beyond the issue of the signboards, they complained of significant financial losses incurred due to the shooting and the associated traffic restrictions. They emphasized that no one from the production team sought their consent before deciding to shoot in the market area, nor were they adequately informed about the filming schedule or its impact on their businesses.
“It is completely untrue that our consent was obtained,” the shopkeepers maintained, stressing the lack of communication and coordination from the production side.
Police Mediation
Upon receiving information about the escalating situation, police officers arrived at the scene and worked to mediate between the conflicting parties. Their efforts to calm the situation by convincing both sides eventually helped prevent further deterioration, though not before forcing the production to halt.
Production Details
This is not the first location in Patiala where the Diljit Dosanjh film has been shot. The production team had previously filmed several scenes at the historic Qila Mukabbar, another landmark in the city, though no similar incidents were reported from that location.
Looking Forward
The incident raises questions about the protocols and communication frameworks that film productions should follow when shooting in commercial areas, particularly regarding seeking permission from local businesses and providing adequate advance notice to residents and shopkeepers who are directly affected by the filming activities.
At present, it remains unclear when or if the filming in the Qila Chowk area will resume, or what measures the production team will take to address the shopkeepers’ concerns.
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