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Pride and
Prejudice
Jagmohan Singh
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Jagmohan Singh analyses the role of Bollywood in
stereotyping Sikhs and urges the Censor Board of
India and the
film industry to stop touching the wrong nerve. The Sikh
character is no laughing matter and the ever-vigilant Sikh youth
is livid with anger which can backfire. |
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 The
turban is the crowning glory of the Sikh. The Sikh face with his
beard and turban is Guru-gifted attire which the Sikh respects and
enjoys. He is the Sardarji who has earned his place in society
because of his looks and also because of the contribution of his
forefathers.
This symbolism is a matter of pride to the community but
unfortunately some vested interests are working overtime to depict
these icons as harbingers of hate and prejudice. Religiously
speaking, after the days and weeks of April 1699, when the baptized
Sikhs returned to their homes from Anandpur Sahib, they created a
stir. They were held in awe and according to the Rehatnamas, they
were ‘boycotted’ as well. Slowly but steadily, society understood
what the tenth master had done. The Transformation of Sikhism was
actually the culmination of the ethos of the Ten Gurus who wanted to
create the Khalsa –the God-fearing, God-like individual, dedicated
to development of self and society, with Sarbat da Bhalla as his
everyday litany. Any lay person or historian who distinguishes between one Guru and another while dealing with Sikh
symbols makes the pitfall of not understanding the message of
Sikhism.
 The outward appearance of the Sikh is a challenge to the
Sikhs themselves from within and from without. The challenge from
within is a matter which they are attempting to sort out though at a
snail’s pace. It is the challenge from monolithic forces, the
judiciary, the overtly secular government of
India
and the mainstream media which is threateningly unsparing to the
Sikh image. The Sardar ji which was held in awe and respect is
becoming the butt of vicious hate campaign in Bollywood
model-turned-actor Manmeet Singh of India bulls’ fame and Manmohan
Singh as India’s Prime Minister notwithstanding. The likes of
Manmeet Singh come as a refreshing change and it is hoped that this
change will become a permanent feature.
Sikhs have excelled in all walks of life, from politics, to
sports, to military, to media to business and as professionals.
However, this has not deterred the Indian film industry from talking
a jibe at the Sikh identity every now and then.
During the course of the whirlwind visit of UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom
of Religion or Belief, Ms. Asma Jahangir, Sikhs organizations in
Mumbai got together in a rare show of unity and presented her with a
detailed account of the role of Bollywood in undermining Sikhs.
The demeaning, stereotyped and offensive Sikh images in
Bollywood movies and television serials are a source of concern for
Sikhs in
India and the
sick jokes about
Sikhs in Bollywood are testing the distress level of the lay Sikh.
 Numerous attempts by various individuals and organizations seeking fundamental changes in previewing films and
television serials prior to certification by the Film Censor Board
of India have borne virtually no results, except an innocuous
regret ‘due to oversight’ on some occasions when the protest is too
strong and there is a hurry to diffuse the immediate crises.
Indian democracy
is made up a host of ethnic, social and religious peoples and
denigrating this diversity can have dangerous social ramifications
and repercussions.
The Information and Broadcasting ministry at the
federal level has also not deemed it fit to set up a mechanism to
ensure that community and gender sensitivities are respected in
cinema.
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Man da Meet,
Manmeet Singh
 The
cheeky grin of the burly Sikh in the Indiabulls ad campaign
brings a smile to even those who do not understand shares and
stocks. The Sardarji in the board meeting is Manmeet Singh of
Mumbai characterizing Kulwant Bhatia. WSN caught up with him
and found him to be a busy man neck-deep not only in promotional
films but also into Bollywood and its Tamil version too.
WSN:
How does it feel to be a model?
Manmeet Singh:
It feels good. It is my kirat and I go about it as everyone
else does his or her kirat.
WSN:
What is the score card as of now?
Manmeet Singh:
With Guru’s grace, I have done close to 90 ad films and have
played parts in 15 movies so far, since I started my career in
1999.
WSN:
What have been the best moments so far?
Manmeet Singh:
I enjoy all of my work. I take all work seriously. The
impromptu show Lo kal lo baat on Sab TV made a big
difference and it was a tuning point in my career. Since then,
I have not looked back.
WSN:
How did you start modelling?
Manmeet Singh:
I wanted to become a singer. 8 of my songs have been recorded by
a company in Ludhiana. Somehow that has not clicked so far
though I still desire to sing. The Samsung TV ad with Indian
cricketers brought out my acting talent and that brought in more
work and recognition.
WSN:
And the films?
Manmeet Singh:
Good Sikh actors are in short supply, so when a choice was
available, producers lapped it up. I have played roles in
Jungle and Barsaat, with the second lead in
Bombay
to Bangkok. I have done 15 movies and 4 more are slated for
release in the coming months.
WSN:
Are you working in a Tamil film too?
Manmeet Singh:
Abhiyum Mnum –that is the Tamil film in which I am playing a
major role and perhaps am the first Sikh to do so. Shortly we
would be shooting for the movie in
Chandigarh. It is an interesting story where a Tamil girl falls in
love with a Sikh boy. I must add that the entire star cast and
the director’s team have respected me as a Sikh and have
expressed eagerness to know more about the Sikh way of life.
WSN:
What do you think about stereotyping of Sikhs in Hindi movies?
Manmeet Singh:
I think that we need to stand up to such attempts. Some of our
own people accept such roles and this makes the fight more
difficult. Politely but sternly we should make our viewpoint
clear.
WSN:
Have you faced any such situation?
Manmeet Singh:
Yes and No. I was asked to play a derogatory role and I
explained to them that it hurts us and the scene was tweaked.
In another case, a filmmaker wanted to me to mouth some remarks
against another religion. I turned down that too. I told them
that as a Sikh I would respect all religions including my own.
WSN:
How does one contest such prejudice?
Manmeet Singh:
Love, courage to say no, persuasion, respect and availability of
more Sikh actors.
WSN:
What is your take on Sikhi?
Manmeet Singh:
I love Sikhi. I vigorously attempt to be a good Sikh and a good
human being as mandated by our Gurus. I also make my humble
contribution in this regard. Funding education of deserving
students is one of my dreams. I have also taken part in the
Punjabi play, “Meri Maa Jooth Boldi Hai” which has had a
significant impact upon young viewers.
WSN:
Are you happy?
Manmeet Singh:
With the grace of Waheguru, Chardikala. |
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Sikhs are a large-hearted people and have tolerated prejudice
for very long because tolerance and co-existence are key features of
the Sikh religion. Unfortunately, some Sikhs in the media and movies
too have gone overboard merely to flaunt their secular approach and
gain popularity in the bargain. Manmeet Singh, while discussing this
issue, says that, “a few of us are also to blame. We have to resist
wrong moves. If you take it lying down or if you yourself do not
stand up to the fault lines the other side cannot understand your
agony.”
There are some mischievous characters that are out to exploit
the naivety of Sikhs is exemplified in the website
www.santabanta.com and
other blogs. These sites mock and poke fun at the Sikh identity,
roots and values. They continue to do because there is no
consistency in complaining against them.
 The
young Sikh professional who today extensively uses the mobile and
the internet is distraught at the stereotype of dimwittedness and
this is affecting his persona turning him livid with anger. The need
for vigilance was never more highlighted than when, last year,
telecom giant Reliance Communications led by Anil Ambani widely
circulated a joke on its mobile network throughout the country
comparing a Sikh to a donkey. Under pressure of the Sikhs from
Meerut who
promptly complained, the company apologized.
The small screen is also racing to catch up with Bollywood in
undermining the character of Sikhs. In serial after serial, for
example, Nach Balliye (Star Plus), Annu Ki Ho Gayi Wah Bahi Wah
(Star One) and Dil Mill Gayye (Star One), the portrayal is
disturbing.
Ms. Sagarika Ghose, the Managing Editor of CNN-IBN during her
prime time programme on May 16, 2007, called “India 360 – Are
Sikhs Over-Religious?”,(http://www.ibnlive.com/videos/40732/05_2007/india360_1605_4/at-cannes-buy-a-sharon-stone-kiss.html)
telecast to coincide with the protests of Sikhs against the Sauda
dera was heavily biased in discrediting Sikhs and highlighting
outrageous remarks made by the mother of an apostate Sikh boy and a
non-Sikh commentator, even going to the extent of saying that Sikhs
who travel abroad and face problems of identity should relinquish it
and that it would not make them any lesser Sikhs.
In another programme, Ms. Ghose, while speaking about the
right to wear the turban in
France,
suggested that it was not a significant issue. Sikh scholars are
known to have reacted to her programme but neither the managing
editor nor the channel acknowledged their mistake on both the
occasions.
Clearly, while dealing with Sikhs in news, the Indian satellite
media’s approach is superficial and perfunctory.
The
moral fibre of the country is under strain and so is the
multi-cultural ethos. Instead of understanding our woes, the media
and movie moghuls, invariably remark that the Sikhs are losing their
sense of humour.
"Are jokes
harmful?" "Can language be harmful?" “Why can’t Sikhs see the funny
side of things?” -is the continuous refrain of those who launch and
support such tirades. The experience of Melvin Butler, a first year
student at the Livingston College, USA should be read and re-read.
He says, “American history is rich in examples of how language under
the guise of a joke has contributed to gross stereotypes and
malicious prejudices. I am an African-American male and I know
first-hand how detrimental a racial joke can be. Jokes are so
closely linked with stereotypes that the two come off as one and the
same because jokes stem from stereotypes. Jokes about
African-Americans' athletic ability, sexual promiscuity, lack of
intelligence, laziness and the Black male as a criminal have added
to America's distorted view of us. Moreover, it has helped to strip
away our humanity, which is vital to any group's existence.”
This more than
exemplifies the situation of the Sikhs. Sikh students - boys and
girls of all ages have had such experiences and it is downright
silly that such characterization is being perpetuated by Indian
movies in general and the Hindi films in particular. A young Sikh,
Hardeep Singh when interviewed by the media in Mumbai about what the
newspaper called, “Sardar Jokes” said, “people laugh at us, but we
cry. Such jokes should be banned.” The pain and agony of a
community proud of itself can perhaps be gauged by sensitive people
and their tribe is decreasing as the polity becomes more and more
monolithic.
The general
secretary of Sri Guru Singh Sabha, Mumbai Kulwant Singh pointed out
to Asma Jahangir that on days when such jokes abound on television,
Sikh school children are the focus of ridicule the next day in
schools and colleges. The agony of the young adolescents at being
taunted by non-Sikh friends is taking its toll and there have been
cases of cross-cultural fights. How are Sikh students supposed to
react, when the panelists on the Boogie Woogie Show prod a girl
participant to narrate a Sardarji joke?
The malaise is quiet widespread. The imagery of Sikhs in
Hindi Cinema has degenerated from the innocent rustic taxi-driver to
the sex-crazy womanizer, to the alcoholic, to the terrorist, or the
downright naive and gullible individual. Women characters are using
Sikh names and ushering in a new kind of hatred and stereotyping of
Sikh women. The shabbily dressed comedian with the most atrocious
make–up is invariably the Sikh character in Hindi films. The wayward
co-actress, who wants to run-away from home, invariably has a
Punjabi name in today’s Hindi films.
Films like Raja Hindustani, Mohabattein, Badal, Jo Bole So
Nihal, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Shoot Out at Lokhandwala,
Bombay to Goa and Gadhar-ek Prem Katha, Jab We Met, contain scenes which defame Sikhs.
In recent times, the movie which raised the hackles of the
entire Sikh community was the one entitled, ‘Jo Bole So Nihal’.
Virtually the whole community including the Sikh religious body, the
Shiromani Gurudwara Parbandhak Committee was on the streets seeking
a ban on the film. Umpteen representations were made to the
producers and the Film Centre Board but to no avail.
 Instead of understanding the gravity of the situation, the
producers and the Film Censor Board made fervent attempts to divide
the community and obtain clearance for the film. Regrettably, it was
a violent incident in a cinema hall in
Delhi which
resulted in the removal of the movie from cinema screens across the
country. However the epic battle is still to end. After some time,
when the Sikhs gave up their battle, the distributors
surreptitiously sold the telecasting rights and it is now shown at
regular intervals on ‘Sahara Filmy’ and local cable channels.
In the movie, ‘Bombay to Goa’, one of the character
uses the Sikh attire as a camouflage and in an utterly derogatory
and repulsive manner, when the attire is not needed, in the presence
of a multitude of people, discards his hair and turban.
The film ‘Gadar- Ek Prem Katha’ has a Sikh character
but he is an apostate who is willing to easily convert to Islam for
his lady love, has strong animosity against Muslims and is depicted
wearing the turban most of the times, but conveniently removes them
at some places. When he is wearing the turban, his beard is shaven,
when he is without the turban, he has a beard. The reaction of the
Sikhs is one of helplessness and as psychologists and sociologists
tells us; this state is not a healthy sign for society.
The “terrorist” image of the Sikh has for long been
responsible for hatred against Sikhs in
India and has the
potential to aggravate the situation in the Diaspora where Hindi
movies are screened more than ever before.
 The central character of an upcoming movie, called ‘Singh
is King’ as is known from the previews available on the
internet,is wearing a turban, with some unknown symbol affixed on
this turban, and he is without a moustache and beard. As the movie
is slated for release in May this year, it has the full potential of
conflagrating the sentiments of the Sikhs and Sikh organizations are
gearing up for a long-drawn battle. The Film Censor Board is aware
of Sikh sentiments but has chosen to be silent.
The portrayal of Pidhu the great on Mtv and Khabroo Singh on
Yo TV are other examples which show that such characterization is
the creation of sick minds. The portrayal of Sikhs in their own
Punjabi song videos and even in the film “Mitti Wazaan Mardi” has
also got a lot to do with the stereotyping of Sikhs. The Sikh
religious and cultural bodies will have to simultaneously take the
issue with the producers of such videos as well.
 The one move which can save the situation is to involve all
minorities in the certification processes as such stereotyping is
not limited to Sikhs alone. The Constitution of Indian and the
National Commission for Minorities Act, 2003 enlists five
minorities, including Sikhs. All these five communities must have
one well-respected member of the community as a member of the Film
Censor Board and the proposed regulatory authority for the satellite
media. The Film Censor Board has had a Sikh member in the past and
should have one now without delay. This one step with help diminish
and gradually stop all such nasty portrayal of Sikhs in Bollywood.
Sikh organizations must initiate penal proceedings against
producers and the Censor Board for hurting the sentiments of a
community. The Diaspora too can play a role as gender and racial
profiling are serious crimes in most countries. As Hindi films
desperately need an international audience, complaints of racial
profiling will stop their distribution and hence force a change in
perspective.
The Sikh character, ideally, should be portrayed by a Sikh
only. In case it is not possible to do so, the sensibilities of the
community must be respected and the character must undergo a
sensitivity training programme just as they do for all other
characters that they have to portray. For those who want such
characters, Manmeet Singh himself and his host of friends are always
there.
Creative liberty cannot be allowed to become a poetic license
for name-calling and hate generation. Let Manmeet Singh have the
last word: “Dialogue and interaction with the film world and
everyone in it will change the way Sikhs are looked at and
portrayed, atleast that has been the case with me.” Let us hope that
it stays that way for Manmeet Singh and the entire Sikh community.
In any case, eternal vigilance is the price of liberty, even
creative liberty.
(With inputs from Sri Guru Singh Sabha & Sikh Media and
Culture Watch, Mumbai and SikhNetwork and Guru Gobind Singh Study
Circle, Ludhiana)
12
March 2008
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