I can't please every single Sikh, says Vipul Shah

4 months ago 15th Aug 13:01

The agitations by some Sikh groups against the depiction of Sikhs in the romantic comedy "Singh Is Kinng" has left producer Vipul Shah agitated. Directed by Annees Bazmi, the film is about a gullible, accident prone, loveable Sikh who falls in love with Katrina Kaif, an NRI.

"My film has grossed Rs.460-480 million over the first weekend. That's more than 'Om Shanti Om' and 'Welcome', which had the highest opening so far. So obviously the film has been liked. I can't please every single Sikh," Shah told IANS.

First, the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) sought a ban on the movie for allegedly "ridiculing" the Sikh community but the matter was resolved after the producer and lead actor Akshay Kumar spoke to the committee. Then on Friday the All India Sikh Students Federation started an agitation for 'wrong' depiction of Sikhs at a theatre in Amritsar.

"Who are these agitators? This is nothing but a shortcut to fame. The boys of the Sikh Youth Federation must've thought that when Delhi's Gurdwara Committee protested, Akshay rushed to Delhi. In Amritsar, they must've thought this is their way of getting Akshay into Amritsar.

"Surely there're easier ways of getting stars' attention. And Akshay couldn't spend one year moving from city to city appeasing the imagined hurt of self-appointed champions of the Sikh community. These are people who don't respect the opinion of the highest authorities of their community who've said there's nothing objectionable in 'Singh Is Kinng'.

"All the important and powerful bodies of the Sikh community cleared the film. What were these boys on Friday protesting about? They said they hadn't even seen the film. They just said it was an insult to Sikhism. But in what way?"

Shah feels there are professional protesters, who jump in protest against any culture-specific cinema.

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