Akshay Kumar's Singh is Kinng under Sikh fire

New Delhi, Aug 2 (UNI) Sikh political and religious leaders today assailed the Akshay Kumar starrer ''Singh is Kinng'', saying it distorts both Sikh identity and ideology.

Shiromani Akali Dal general secretary Prem Singh Chandumajra and Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) chief Paramjit Singh Sarna warned that the filmmakers should address religious concerns before going ahead with the release of the movie.

Mr Sarna insisted that he has written to Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, urging her not to allow screening of the film in the capital, on Friday, which he alleged misrepresent the Khalsa form of Sikhism.

''The Akal Takht and the SGPC should take notice of the promos that insultingly distort Sikh identity right under our nose. It's a foregone conclusion that the movie is going to be a cruel joke on Sikhs. Moreover, the very title 'Singh is Kinng' contradicts Sikh ideology that espouses humility and not political authority,'' Mr Sarna said.

The DSGMC, he added, would not allow the movie to run in Delhi in its present form. "The film shows turban-wearing characters in trimmed, French-cut beards, which is appalling", he said.

Prof Chandumajra, whose party is in power in Punjab , called upon the filmmakers to seek clearance from the Akal Takht, Sikhism's highest temporal authority, and the SGPC.

''The entertainment media has over a long period of time been portraying Sikhs in a bad taste. Singh is Kinng's promos too reflect the same mindset. We will not allow this kind of a joke in Punjab. The filmmakers have to seek clearance from the Akal Takht Sahib and the SGPC," Chandumajra said.

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