After SGPC, Gippy Grewal Demands Sikh Representation In Film Certification Board

New Delhi: Kangana Ranaut starrer film Emergency has run into trouble with Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) refusing to greenlight release. decision comes after apex religious body of Sikhs, Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) called for a ban on movie based on life of former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. SGPC objected to negative portrayal of Sikh community in Kangana Ranaut starrer. Consequently, movie has skipped its scheduled September 6 release. Amid tussle with CBFC, popular Punjabi singer and actor Gippy Grewal has now pushed for more Sikh representation in censor board.

Having a Sikh representation on board is very important: Gippy Grewal

In an interview with a new portal, Carry On Jatta fame star argued for need for Sikh representatives on censor board (CBFC). He asserted that if an ‘expert’ in religious matters sits on board it would benefit producers from incurring losses as well as will maintain peace and harmony in society. He especially pushed for a Sikh representative for films that show Sikhism or Punjab and its people.

He shared, “For those films, jinme Sikhism ka hai, community representation hai, Punjab ka representation hai, un filmon ke liye ye bahot zaroori hai. Like a lot of people shoot ir films in Punjab, but y don't know anything about Punjab (Having a Sikh representative on board is important for films that talk about Sikhism, represent community or represent state of Punjab in any form).”

actor, who is promoting his film, Ardaas Sarbat De Bhale Di, claimed that before taking ir latest film to CBFC, makers secured an NOC certificate from Hazur Sahib Prabhandhak Committee to assure board that movie does not hurt any religious sentiments. Stressing importance of representation, he claimed, "Having a Sikh representation is extremely important. It's better to get that approval from representatives and avoid going through struggle of facing objections. It's better to let scrutiny happen before you go to board. If a film is representing a sect or a community, it is important for everyone that it is seen beforehand to remove any flaws or mistakes."

SGPC echoes demand for Sikh representation

Taking to ir X (formerly Twitter) account  Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee h shared ir objections with Emergency. Labelling it as an ‘anti-Sikh’ movie, religious body filed a complaint against Kangana Ranaut for making a movie that would potentially disturb communal harmony. For unversed, film features assassination of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, Punjab Riots and story of separatist leer Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale.

SGPC mentioned requesting a Sikh representative on censor board several times, but y shared, that ir suggestions fall on ‘deaf ears’. Following several petitions filed against Emergency, CBFC has decided to without film's certification defer its release indefinitely.