Kangana Ranaut, known for her outspoken nature and transition from actress to politician, has become a prominent figure in Bollywood, earning the nickname “Queen of Bollywood” through her remarkable performances. Currently, she is in the limelight due to her upcoming film “Emergency,” which has recently launched its trailer and garnered attention from fans. However, the film is also surrounded by controversy, potentially increasing Kangana’s challenges.
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) and the head of Akal Takht Sahib, Giani Raghuvir Singh, have officially demanded a ban on Kangana’s film “Emergency” and have called for a First Information Report (FIR) to be filed against her. The film is scheduled for release on September 6, and Kangana portrays former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, placing the narrative in the backdrop of the Emergency period in India, making it a contentious topic even before its release.
Call for Ban on ‘Emergency’
SGPC President Harjinder Singh Dhami has asserted that the Indian government should immediately impose a ban on “Emergency,” citing that the film depicts the Sikh community in a negative light. He articulated that the portrayal of Sikh characters in the film has hurt the sentiments of the Sikh community, leading to a demand for an urgent halt to the film’s release. Dhami claims that Kangana has deliberately created this film with the intent to misrepresent Sikhs, a matter the Sikh community cannot tolerate.
Allegations of Historical Misrepresentation
Dhami also highlighted that creating a story that portrays the 1984 martyrs in an adverse manner constitutes an insult to the nation. He emphasized that the atrocities faced by Sikhs in June 1984 are an indelible part of Indian history. The SGPC President further criticized Kangana for her previous remarks that have incited the sentiments of Sikhs while accusing the government of protecting her instead of taking action against her. He called for relevant sections to be invoked against her for provoking communal sentiments through her film.
Instead of acting against handles doing vicious, vile, hateful, false propaganda against minority Sikhs, SGPC & Sikh code of conduct, Govt asked this platform to withhold a tweet of constitutional Sikh body in which we raised complaint against hate-spreading machines.
— Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (@SGPCAmritsar) March 28, 2023
Parliamentarian HarSimrat Kaur Badal Joins the Protest
Alongside the SGPC’s demands, MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal has publicly opposed the movie, asserting that the Sikh community should not be demeaned. She has labeled Kangana as anti-Sikh and has requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to impose a ban on “Emergency.” Badal expressed concern that releasing a film which tarnishes the image of Sikhs could disrupt the harmony of the nation.
Release Date and Film Premise
Since the trailer for “Emergency” was released, protests against Kangana’s film have surfaced in Punjab. The movie seeks to narrate the events and ramifications of the Emergency period in India, with Kangana playing the role of Indira Gandhi. The cast also includes Anupam Kher as Jayaprakash Narayan (JP), Shreyas Talpade as Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Ashok Chhabra as Morarji Desai, and Mahima Chaudhary as Pupul Jayakar.
