SGPC urges Narendra Modi and Arun Jaitley to stop release of Nanak Shah Fakir movie

Amritsar, Punjab: The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Avtar Singh Makkar has written a letter to the Indian government seeking ban the release and screening of controversial movie titled “Nanak Shah Fakir”. Avtar Singh Makkar says that the movie produced by Harinder Sikka violates Sikh tenets and norms by portraying Guru Nanak and his family members.

SGPC president has reportedly sent a memorandum to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and India’s Information and Broadcasting (I&B) minister Arun Jaitley.

He has urged the Indian Government to ensure that the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) does not release the movie.

In his letter Avtar Singh Makkar also referred to the SGPC executive’s April 7 decision to ban the movie.

SGPC president also refuted producer Harinder Sikka’s claims that the Akal Takht and the SGPC had cleared the movie.

“The SGPC has not cleared the film,” he reasserted, while adding that: “There is no question of giving clearance to the film as the roles of Guru Nanak and his elder sister Bebe Nanaki have been essayed by actors, which is prohibited. Our tenets say that human portrayal of Sikh gurus and their relatives or associates is strictly prohibited”.

The SGPC members who saw the movie advocated a ban on its release. If released, it can hurt Sikh sentiments, the SGPC chief said in his memorandum to Indian authorities.

SGPC chief also raised demand of appointing two Sikh members in the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). This will help the CBFC take right decision on films relating to Sikh religion and history, he added.

The SGPC executive at its meeting had advocated that the script of a Sikh ‘dharmik’ (religious) film must get prior clearance from the SGPC. Likewise, before the release, the movie should be shown to the SGPC for clearance.