As per reports, a petition has been filed in the Bombay High Court seeking action against actor Shah Rukh Khan and makers of the film “Zero” for allegedly hurting sentiments of the Sikh community. Petitioner Amritpal Singh Khalsa, an advocate, has sought action against the actor and the film’s producers Gauri Khan and Karuna Badwal, director Aanand L Rai, Red Chillies Entertainment Pvt Ltd and the Central Board for Film Certification’s (CBFC) chairperson and CEO.
The petition, filed on November 6, refers to the film’s trailer in which Shah Rukh is seen wearing a vest and shorts, with a garland of Rs 500 notes around his neck and a ‘kirpan’ in gatra tied diagonally across his body. The petitioner took exception to this scene and referred to the historical and cultural importance of kirpan (a sword or small dagger carried by Sikhs). In his petition, Khalsa said a kirpan is worn after taking ‘rehat maryada’ (conversion to Sikhism).
The petition has sought a direction to the police to initiate action against Shah Rukh and others under Indian Penal Code section 295 (A), pertaining to deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings or beliefs.
It has also sought a direction to the censor board to cancel the movie’s certification, a direction to the film’s makers to remove the particular scene and an interim stay on the trailer.
The petition is likely to come up for hearing on November 19, according to the Bombay high court’s website.
Earlier, Delhi Sikh Gurudwara Management Committee (DSGMC) general secretary Manjinder Singh Sirsa had also 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’.
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.” The PR team of Zero released an official statement on behalf of the makers, clarifying that the dagger in the scene was a ‘katar’, which was “nowhere close to a Kirpan that carries the distinguished blessing of being Khalsa”. ”
The makers’ quick response has pacified Sirsa. Applauding their promptness, he tweeted, “It’s good you have clarified this in time. We accept your point. Anything that hurts religious sentiments should be clarified with clear communication.”
The movie is scheduled to release on December 21, 2018.
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