Sikhs protest over the use of the word "Sardar
as disrespectful manner in ‘Shabd’ movie

Mumbai, February 19
The Sikh community has raised objection over the use of the word "Sardar" in the movie "Shabd" produced by Pritish Nandy Communications Limited and demanded its deletion.

The Sikh Brotherhood International has rushed off letters to Pritish Nandy Communications Limited, the Censor Board of India, and the National Commission of Minorities, expressing resentment of the community.

In the letter, organisation's president Parbinder Singh Chandhok stated that the movie has hurt the self respect of the community as the the word "Sardar" has been used in a disrespectful manner.

In the movie, the word "Sardar" has been used in a comical sense. "What makes the writer, director and actors think that the word just expresses amusement ?," he sought to know in the letter.

In India and abroad, "Sardars" were torch-bearers of the freedom struggle. History will support us if we assert that "Sardars" sacrificed themselves in overwhelming numbers during the freedom struggle, he went on to state in the letter.

In fact, the word literally means a person who places his "sar (head)" on the "dar (guillotine)". It is no joke to be a "Sardar", Mr Chandok went on to point out. The "Sardars" should not be ridiculed, he said.

Meanwhile, Pritish Nandy Communications Limited has tenderred a written apology saying that they respect the Sikh community and hold it in high esteem.

About the objectionable scene, Pritish Nandy Communications Limited said there was no intention to ridicule anybody. But, "Shabd" has already been certified by the Central Board for Film Certification (CBFC) for adult viewing, and any change now will have to be done with the CBFC's permission and carried out with the board's concurrance. We will talk to the censor board immediately and try to find a possible solution at the earliest, the letter said. —UNI

OPINIONS:

Using the name of "Sardar"as disrespectful manner in "Shabad" movie is still under controversy because we did not see this movie. NRI Sikhs are very broad minded but they cannot tolerate more jokes about sardar ji. This kind of entertainment in movies will bring more conflict between Hindus and Sikhs in the future generation.

There are more than 500, 000 Sikh in USA alone, more than 85% are professionals, and average income is $50, 000. Sikh young generation is very honest, sensitive, and cannot tolerate this kind of attitude towards Sikhs

The Central Board for Film Certification (CBFC) shall not certify any scenes, those will hurt some body's feelings or create conflict between communities

Dharam Paul Gupta, New York

Thanks Mr. Gupta:

Above statement, "About the objectionable scene, Pritish Nandy Communications Limited said there was no intention to ridicule anybody. But, "Shabd" has already been certified by the Central Board for Film Certification (CBFC) for adult viewing, and any change now will have to be done with the CBFC's permission and carried out with the board's concurrance. We will talk to the censor board immediately and try to find a possible solution at the earliest, the letter said"

I love Hindi and Punjabi movies but movie directors or producers must under stand the wrong scenes may hurt or conflict between communities. We must respect each other, respect each other's religion, and learn how to live with minorities. The phrase ""Shabd" has already been certified by the Central Board for Film Certification (CBFC)" cannot accepted by other communities if they are hurt. I did not see this movie but it is common sense to judge if name sardarjee is used as a joke or disrespectful manner

Mohinder Singh, Vancouver

Any comments on this article or you have any news: Click here