Zero: Complaint filed against SRK & Aanand L Rai for allegedly hurting Sikh sentiments

As per reports, Delhi Sikh Gurudwara Management Committee (DSGMC) general secretary Manjinder Singh Sirsa has filed a complaint on November 5 against Zero director Aanand L Rai and actor Shah Rukh Khan for allegedly hurting religious sentiments of the Sikh community in the promo of the film ‘Zero’.

The complaint has been filed at the North Avenue Police Station, Delhi. In the complaint, Sirsa has alleged that in the promo of the movie, actor Shah Rukh Khan has been shown wearing ‘Gatra Kirpan’ (Article of Sikh Faith) in which has created an outrage among Sikh community worldwide. That according to the Sikh Rehat Maryada only an ‘Amritdhari Sikh’ can wear Gatra Kirpan. He further urged the police to lodge FIR against the movie. He also requested the authorities that the promo of the upcoming movie Zero showing actor Shah Rukh Khan wearing Gatra Kirpan, should be stopped without any further delay. He further said that in the promo, the film star not only appears wearing the Kirpan but also the poster shows the star in a lighter mood thereby further showing the Sikh article of faith in a lighter vein. He added that Sikhs cannot tolerate such mischievous acts either in films or in real life. Sirsa further added, “Sikh Guru Sahiban have given enough power and strength to the Sikhs to fight with such situations if they arise in their life.”

Reportedly, the makers of Zero have released an official statement clearing their stance. “Your concern is duly noted and we wish to respectfully clarify that the film does not depict a Kirpan. The filmmakers have been careful not to hurt the feelings of any community including the Sikh community.”

This is not the first time a Bollywood film has been in trouble for allegedly hurting sentiments of the Sikhs. Films like Nanak Shah Fakir, Chaar Sahabzaade, The Messenger of God, Singh is King, Son of Sardar, Jo Bole So Nihal, Singh Saab the Great, Welcome to New York, Dishoom amongst others have faced the wrath of Sikh organizations for hurting religious sentiments.

Image source: here