'Singh is Kinng' gets clean chit from Delhi Gurdwara panel

Aug 7, 2008 IANS

New Delhi, Aug 7 (IANS) The Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) Thursday gave a clean chit to the much hyped Akshay Kumar starrer romantic comedy "Singh is Kinng", which is releasing Friday.

"We had a 50-minute discussion with Akshay and Vipul Shah (producer) where they explained us the positive message behind the film. Now that our suggestions have been incorporated in the film we are satisfied," Paramjeet Singh Sarna, DSGMC chief told media here.

The DSGMC had sought a ban on the movie last Friday for allegedly "ridiculing" the Sikh community. It wrote a letter to Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit asking her to ban the film, despite the announcement by the Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC), another Sikh body, that it was up to the audience to decide whether they want to watch the film or not.

When asked about the controversy, Akshay, who was present at the meet at the Rakab Ganj Gurdwara, said: "It is not about controversy. It is about discussion. Sarna wanted to take a precautionary measure regarding the community's image and I think he is right."

"We came here, explained ourselves and apologised. It is always good to satisfy everyone. Twelve changes were requested and we have made those changes. The problem was mainly with the beard but now the film has been given a clean chit by the committee," he added.

The film's promos show Akshay Kumar's character wearing a turban and sporting a trimmed beard, which the DSGMC found offensive for a Sikh and wanted a ban on the screening until its makers made the suggested changes.

Akshay also said that the basic idea behind making the film was to portray "how strong and brave Sikh community is".

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Singh is Kinng