Punjab: Filmmakers asked not to portray gurus until guidelines are formulated

Punjab: Taking cognizance of “violation of strictures” regarding the portrayal of Sikh gurus, warriors and their families, Akal Takht’s acting Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj on Friday asked filmmakers not to make films or any animated versions using artificial intelligence until the temporary seat announces the do’s and don’ts for it. He issued the directives during a meeting of Sikh intellectuals and representatives.

He said that the previous orders of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) on the issue will remain in force. The SGPC has already issued directives imposing a complete ban on the portrayal of Sikh gurus or their families in any film, documentary or song by actors or in animated form. Giani Gargaj said that earlier the SGPC’s Religious Advisory Committee had passed a resolution in 1934 imposing a strict ban on the portrayal of Sikh gurus and their family members. Similar resolutions were also passed by the SGPC in 1940 and 2003, 2015 and 2022.