Kangana Ranaut, a prominent Bollywood actress and BJP MP, has been thrust into a fresh wave of controversy as she faces death threats ahead of the release of her upcoming film, ‘Emergency’. The film, slated for release on September 6th, features Ranaut in the role of former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. The threats appear to stem from the portrayal of Sikh characters within the film, leading to widespread outrage within the community.
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), the highest Sikh religious body, and the Akal Takht, the supreme temporal authority of Sikhism, have vehemently demanded an immediate ban on the film. Both organizations have accused ‘Emergency’ of attempting to ‘character assassinate’ the Sikh community and create a narrative that misrepresents their history and portrays them as separatists.
SGPC chief Harjinder Singh Dhami, during a press conference, called for an FIR against Ranaut while expressing his objection to the film. He highlighted that numerous instances in the past have witnessed Sikh sentiments being hurt due to misrepresentations of the community in films.
Echoing similar sentiments, Jathedar (head) of the Akal Takht Gyani Raghbir Singh stated that the film deliberately misrepresents the character of Sikhs as separatists, labeling it as part of a deep conspiracy. He went on to accuse the film of disrespecting the Sikh community and condemned Ranaut for ‘deliberately character assassinating’ them.
The threats against Ranaut were amplified when a video surfaced on social media featuring an individual threatening violence against her. In the video, the man, reportedly speaking in Marathi, can be heard stating, “If you release this movie, the Sardars will beat you with chappals. You’ve already faced the consequences. I’m a proud Indian. If I spot you anywhere in my country, and in my Maharashtra, I’m saying this, not just as a Sikh and a proud Marathi, but all my Hindu, Christian, and Muslim brothers will also welcome you with chappals.”
Another individual in the video reinforces the threat, stating, “History cannot be changed. And if it’s seen in the movie that he is a terrorist, then remember what happened to the one making the movie. Remember who Satwant Singh and Beant Singh were. Those who point fingers at us, we break their fingers. If we can be beheaded, we can behead too.”
Ranaut has retweeted the video, tagging the police authorities of Maharashtra, Himachal Pradesh, and Punjab, urging them to investigate the threats.
The controversy surrounding ‘Emergency’ underscores the sensitivity surrounding historical portrayals in film, particularly when they involve sensitive religious and political figures. With the release date fast approaching, the film’s fate hangs in the balance as the Sikh community continues to raise concerns about its potential to misrepresent their history and beliefs.
