Bollywood does it again. Showing gross insensitivity, a non-Sikh character has been depicted wearing the Kirpan, while drinking alcohol and teasing a film heroine, as seen in a teaser released online from the movie Yaariyan2. The Sikh community expresses outrage and questions the filmmakers and the Central Board of Film Certification for this absurd and blasphemous portrayal. WSN reports

The upcoming Bollywood film Yaariyan2 by T-Series, has sparked a major controversy even before its release, facing severe backlash from the Sikh community for its portrayal of the sacred Kirpan. Singh Sabha Mumbai, a prominent Sikh organization, has formally written to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), demanding the immediate revocation of the film’s clearance. The SGPC has tweeted its concern and social media is agog with warnings to the filmmakers of its screening in its present form.

It may be noted that Singh Sabha Mumbai and many other organizations have in the past raised the question of including representatives of minority communities, so that the sensitivities of the communities are appropriately addressed. It seems it is falling on deaf ears.

“A Gross Insult to the Sikh Community”

Manmohan Singh, President of Singh Sabha Mumbai, termed the portrayal as “blasphemous and deeply offensive.” He stated, “The Kirpan is not a mere ornament; it is an integral part of the Sikh religion. The portrayal of a non-Sikh character wearing a Kirpan in Yaariyan 2 is not only inaccurate but also outright blasphemous. This makes us question the integrity and commitment of the CBFC towards respecting religious sentiments and the cultural diversity of India.”

Voices from Social Media

Harjinder Singh Kukreja, a social media influencer and Sikh world traveler, also expressed his concerns: “Wearing the Kirpan while singing and promoting alcohol is not just insensitive but an affront to the core principles of Sikhism. It’s time filmmakers educate themselves about the religions and cultures they choose to depict in their works.”

Deeply disappointed & concerned about misrepresentation of the Kirpan in the new song ‘Saure Ghar’ from the upcoming Hindi movie Yaariyan 2. For Sikhs, the Kirpan is not a fashion accessory or a prop for storytelling; it is an article of faith acquired only after being initiated… pic.twitter.com/2GBWguVEWl

— Harjinder Singh Kukreja (@SinghLions) August 27, 2023

Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee Weighs In

The Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC) has issued a stern warning against the filmmakers. According to their tweet, “This has seriously hurt the religious sentiments of the Sikh community across the globe. Only an initiated Sikh has the right to wear a Kirpan as per the Sikh Code of Conduct. This video must be taken down immediately.”

We raise our strong objection to these visuals filmed, published in ‘Saure Ghar’ song of ‘Yaariyan 2’ film directed by Radhika Rao & Vinay Sapru @SapruAndRao, as actor is seen wearing Sikh Kakaar (symbol of Sikh faith) Kirpan in a highly objectionable manner which cannot be… pic.twitter.com/FZXooNMsoH

— Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (@SGPCAmritsar) August 28, 2023

Social media is replete with posts where Sikh activists and even ordinary Sikhs have taken umbrage at the portrayal. They have cautioned the film makers and distributors of escalating protests and potential legal actions if their demands are not met immediately.

Singh Sabha Mumbai has urged both the CBFC and the filmmakers to take prompt action in removing the offending scenes to avoid hurting the religious sentiments of millions of Sikhs around the globe.

A Pattern of Insensitivity

The controversy adds to a growing list of films and media productions that have been insensitive to religious and cultural symbols, causing public outrage. Community representatives have stressed the urgent need for more responsible filmmaking that respects the diverse cultural fabric.

Urgent Appeal to CBFC and Ministry of Information

The SGPC has appealed to various government bodies and digital platforms not to screen the film or the song in its current form. They have also requested immediate action from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.

As the scheduled release date of October 20 approaches, the Sikh community waits in anticipation for the authorities and the filmmakers to make the right decision, hoping they take the necessary steps to address this grave issue.

Will Bollywood rise from its hate campaign against Sikhs, every now and then?