Kangana Ranaut’s upcoming film Emergency is at the centre of a storm as Sikh organisations demand an immediate ban. The Akal Takht, the highest authority of the Sikhs, and the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) have strongly objected to the film’s portrayal of Sikh figures and historical events. They accuse the film of distorting Sikh history and misrepresenting the community.
SGPC Demands Ban On Emergency For Its Anti-Sikh Narrative
The SGPC chief, Harjinder Singh Dhami, voiced his concerns in a press conference, claiming that Emergency deliberately paints Sikhs in a negative light. He argued that the film attempts to “character assassinate” Sikhs, specifically targeting Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, a figure regarded as a martyr by many in the Sikh community.
The film, which is a political drama set during the Emergency period in India in 1975, stars Kangana Ranaut as former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. While it showcases Gandhi’s political journey and struggles, the portrayal of Sikh characters has sparked outrage among Sikh leaders. Gyani Raghbir Singh, the Jathedar of the Akal Takht, condemned the film, alleging that it portrays Sikhs as separatists and distorts their role in history. He described the film as part of a “deep conspiracy” to create an “anti-Sikh narrative.”
The controversy primarily revolves around the depiction of events surrounding June 1984, a period of deep significance to the Sikh community. Singh argued that the film disrespects the memory of Sikh martyrs and called it a deliberate attempt to incite negative sentiments against Sikhs.
Legal Action Against Kangana Ranaut Requested
The SGPC has gone beyond just calling for a ban; they are pushing for legal action against Kangana Ranaut. Dhami urged the authorities to file an FIR against the actress, accusing her of provoking religious sentiments through the film. He also criticised the government for allegedly shielding Ranaut, despite her past controversial remarks about Sikhs and Punjab.
Further, Dhami appealed to the Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting to take swift action to ban Emergency. He emphasised that the Sikh community has repeatedly been hurt by the misrepresentation of their history in films, and he called for the inclusion of Sikh members in the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to ensure that Sikh sentiments are respected in future films.
Emergency, featuring a star-studded cast including Anupam Kher, Mahima Chaudhary, Milind Soman, Shreyas Talpade, Vishak Nair, and the late Satish Kaushik, is set for release on 6 September 2024. Despite the escalating controversy, the filmmakers have yet to address the demands for a ban.
(Also read: Will Kangana Ranaut Quit Acting & Leave Bollywood After Emergency? Here’s What She Has to Say!)
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