SGPC demands a ban on Kangana Ranaut’s film Emergency in Punjab over Sikh defamation claims

kangana

The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has called for a ban on Kangana Ranaut’s film Emergency in Punjab. On January 16, a day before the movie's release, SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami sent a letter to Punjab's Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, urging him to stop the film from being released in the state.

SGPC accused Kangana of defaming Sikhs through her portrayal of events in the movie.

In the letter, Dhami mentioned that the SGPC had already sent a resolution to the Punjab government, stating that the film should not be shown in the state.

The resolution argues that the film was made with the intent to insult Sikhs. The committee expressed disappointment that the Punjab government did not take any action to prevent the film’s release. SGPC warned that if Emergency is released in Punjab, it would upset the Sikh community, which could lead to protests.

One of the key complaints from the SGPC is that the film fails to accurately depict events related to the 1984 anti-Sikh riots and attacks on Sikh religious sites, like the Golden Temple (Sri Harmandir Sahib) and Akal Takht Sahib. The committee believes the movie promotes an anti-Sikh agenda by hiding these crucial facts, which could anger the Sikh community.

Also Read: When Madhubala told her sister not to 'waste' money on treatments in her last days, said "main bachne nahi vali, main kya se kya ho gayi hoon"

This is not the first time the SGPC has raised concerns about Emergency. Last year, the committee had made complaints about the film, which led to delays in its release.

Kangana Ranaut not only stars in the movie but has also directed it. Emergency is set during the 21-month Emergency period imposed by former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi between 1975 and 1977, which is considered one of the darkest periods in India's history.

The film portrays the political and social upheavals of that time, with Kangana playing the role of Indira Gandhi.

Other well-known actors, such as Anupam Kher, Shreyas Talpade, and Milind Soman, also star in the film. Despite the controversy, Emergency is set to release in theaters on January 17, 2025, as planned.