Mumbai/Chandigarh (August 30, 2012): In a strange move actor-producer Ajay Devgn has come out in defence of his upcoming film “Son Of Sardaar” saying that the content of the film projects the Sikh community in a positive manner and it will not hurt anyone’s sentiment.
Advocate Navkiran Singh, a Human Rights lawyer associated with Sikh Anti-Defamation League and All India Sikh Students Federation (AISSF) had on objected to some portions of film released through official release of a trailor. Advocate Navkiran Singh had slammed a legal notice to Ajay Devgn on August 16, 2012 where as AISSF on August 28, 2012 urged Giani Gurbachan Singh, Jathedar of Sri Akal Takhat Sahib to take action against the actor-producer. Their main contention was that “Son Of Sardaar” shows Sikhs in a bad light. The comedy has been co-produced by Viacom 18 Motion Pictures and Ajay Devgn Films.
“My film Son Of Sardaar does not hurt anybody’s sentiments. I’m from Punjab and I have lot of respect for the community and culture as anyone else and the last thing I would do is to hurt anyone. In fact, I’m very proud of the community,” Ajay Devgan is reported to have said in a statement.
Ajay insists that the film, directed by Ashwini Dhir, has been made under the guidance of “knowledgeable people”.
“At no point you will find any element of disrespect. The protagonist of the film is a Sardaar so the film will showcase a very positive projection of the community. If you could just wait for the release and then come up with your comments and opinion. Trust me, we all will be proud of the film,” said the 43-year-old, whose roots are in Amritsar.
Slated for November 13 release, Son Of Sardaar also features Sonakshi Sinha, Sanjay Dutt and Juhi Chawla.
It is notable that Ajay Devgan has offered no explanation for portions of film regarding which objections are being raised by Sikh representatives. These include dialogue that suggest that Sikhs invented vulgar and abusive language and further as if Sikhs were object of joking. Moreover Hindu god’s tattoo on the chest of lead character of a Sikh played by Ajay Devgn is also considered as an objectionable content by the complainants but it seems that for Ajay Devgn these objections does not carry any value.
Such arrogant attitude may lead to conflict. Recently such attitude was adopted by producers of JaiHindTv’s show that attempted to make mockery of Sikh marathon runner (101) Baba Fauja Singh. The producer, anchor etc. of the show attempted to justify the contents of their show to the last moment until the opposition became uncontrollable. Later the JaiHindTv’s team tendered apology and at this stage they found themselves unable to stand by many portions their show.