Sikh body demands BAN on Kangana Ranaut’s Emergency: Expresses concerns over misrepresentation of Sikhs.
Akal Takht and SGPC Demand Ban on Emergency
The SGPC chief, Harjinder Singh Dhami, expressed his concerns during a press conference, asserting that the film deliberately portrays Sikhs in a negative light. He described the movie as an attempt to “character assassinate” Sikhs, particularly Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, who is considered a martyr by the community.
Allegations of Distorting Sikh History
The controversy centres around Emergency, a political drama that portrays the period when the Emergency was imposed in India in 1975. Kangana Ranaut stars as former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, and the film depicts her political journey and the challenges she faced. However, the portrayal of certain Sikh characters and events has not been well received by Sikh leaders.
Gyani Raghbir Singh, the Jathedar (head) of the Akal Takht condemned this film for painting Sikhs as separatists while misrepresenting their role in history. According to him it depicted them as part of a “deep conspiracy” which made this movie an “anti-Sikh narrative”. He also mentioned how sensitive June 1984 are days for Sikhs and added that Emergency insults martyrs’ memory.
Call for Government Action
In addition to demanding a ban on the film, the SGPC has called for legal action against Kangana Ranaut. Dhami urged authorities to register an FIR against the actress, accusing her of inciting religious sentiments through the film. He also criticized government officials for shielding her after making controversial comments about he and Punjab.
The SGPC president further urged Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting to take immediate steps towards banning this movie. The Sikh community has been hurt by repeated incorrect portrayals of its history in films like these. Which should be stopped. The president also called for inclusion of CBFC Sikh members in order to prevent hurting they sentiments through Indian films.
The Film’s Release and Ongoing Debate
Emergency, which boasts a stellar cast including Anupam Kher, Mahima Chaudhary, Milind Soman, Shreyas Talpade, Vishak Nair and the late. Satish Kaushik is scheduled to hit theatres globally on September 6th 2024. Despite these growing controversies however the filmmakers have yet to respond to calls that the film be banned.
