Experts favour liberal approach in portraying Sikh Gurus on celluloid

Advocating a “big no” to the portrayal of any of the 10 Sikh Gurus or their family members by actors on celluloid, many Sikh intellectuals believe that computer-generated imagery (CGI) or any digital edition cannot be ignored, keeping in view its wider reach in the modern era.

They said a liberal approach should be followed when it comes to portraying of Sikh warriors, martyrs, history, rituals and principles in the films.

However, it would be a challenging task to illustrate digital “images” of Sikh Gurus, as those in the public domain were sheer imagination of painters, they said.

Prof Amarjit Singh, head of the Centre for Guru Granth Sahib Studies, GNDU, said digital platform for making films might include “dos and don’ts”, keeping in view the Sikh “rehat maryada” (code of conduct).

He emphasised that the Sikh Gurus were referred to as personification of a “jyot”. No other image or shadow in any form could be allowed to depict Gurus. The same concept of “jyot” was believed to be enshrined in Guru Granth Sahib, too, he said.

He suggested that a “jyot” could be there in films, if a sequence demands to depict the presence of Guru. This could be coupled with a voiceover recitation of Guru’s “bani” (verses) suited to the subject with subtitles.

Eminent Sikh scholar Prof Anurag Singh said painted pictures of Guru Nanak Dev, Guru Har Rai, Guru Harkrishan, Guru Teg Bahadur and Guru Gobind Singh were already available.

“No human being can portray Sikh Gurus, yet the painters’ imagination of Gurus’ image is there in our mind and we connect with it. These pictures, too, could be endorsed officially by the SGPC so that their digital transformation could be used as imaginary reference of Gurus in films,” he said.

He said the Muslim society, which never allowed photo of Prophet Muhammad to emerge, has now accepted the use of artificial intelligence (AI). “In a film based on Islam, Prophet Muhammad was presented with a blurred image,” he said.

Prof Harpal Singh, former head of the Sikh National College, Banga, said, “Before taking any decision, the SGPC should give a call to celluloid experts to have their opinion on the best way to project Sikh Gurus’ teachings, history and Guru Granth Sahib’s moral message onscreen.”

Concrete norms for filmmakers

Akal Takht officiating Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj has intervened to formulate “concrete” regulations for filmmakers on subjects related to Sikhism, in association with the SGPC

He has also announced to convene another session with Sikhs having expertise in digital and artificial intelligence techniques

At a recent meeting with Sikh intellectuals, he objected to actors portraying Sikh warriors and martyrs for the sake of “commercial gains”