Kangana Ranaut slams demand for ban on Emergency in Punjab, says "This is complete harassment of art and the artist..."

Kangana Ranaut slams demand for ban on Emergency in Punjab, says "This is complete harassment of art and the artist..."

On Friday, Kangana Ranaut responded to the Gurdwara Committee's call for a ban on her film Emergency in Punjab. She took to X (formerly Twitter), describing the demand as "complete harassment of art and the artist."

Kangana, known for her bold opinions, expressed her discontent with the decision, emphasizing the importance of artistic freedom. The controversy has sparked heated debates about the limits of creative expression and the role of religious organizations in censoring films. This marks yet another chapter in Kangana's ongoing confrontations with various groups over her works.

The 38-year-old actress shared a post by Sukhpal Singh Khaira, MLA of Bholath, who had called for a ban on Emergency. Kangana, a BJP MLA from Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, expressed that she "respects all religions." She also reflected on her upbringing in Chandigarh, highlighting her respect for cultural diversity.

She wrote, "This is complete harassment of art and the artist, from Punjab, many cities are reporting that these people are not allowing Emergency to be screened."

She added, "I have utmost respect for all religions and after studying and growing up in Chandigarh I have closely observed and followed Sikh religion. This is a complete lie and propaganda to tarnish my image and harm my film #Emergency."

This is complete harassment of art and the artist, from Punjab many cities are reporting that these people are not allowing Emergency to be screened.I have utmost respect for all religions and after studying and growing up in Chandigarh I have closely observed and followed Sikh https://t.co/VQEWMqiFih
Kangana Ranaut (@KanganaTeam) January 17, 2025

On Thursday, Harjinder Singh Dhami, president of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), sent a letter to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, urging a post-release ban on the film in the state. The committee also organized protests across Punjab, opposing the screening of Emergency.

In his letter to Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Harjinder Singh Dhami expressed strong opposition to the release of Emergency in Punjab, warning that its release on January 17 would provoke anger within the Sikh community. The letter further accused the filmmakers of "spreading venom" and promoting an "anti-Sikh agenda."

Also Read: Deva Trailer: Shahid Kapoor brings the anger in this intense cop thriller, watch

Although the government has yet to respond to the SGPC's demands, theatre owners in Punjab have chosen not to screen Emergency in light of the ongoing protests.

Emergency, directed and written by Kangana Ranaut, stars Anupam Kher, Vishak Nair, Shreyas Talpade, Milind Soman, and the late Satish Kaushik. The film delves into the political events in India between 1975-1977, during the period when Prime Minister Indira Gandhi declared a state of 'emergency' in the country.