Amritsar, May 3: Akal Takht’s officiating Jathedar, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj has directed filmmakers to cease producing films or animations—especially those using artificial intelligence—that depict Sikh Gurus, warriors, or their families, citing ongoing violations of long-standing religious directives.
“Until the Akal Takht lays down clear dos and don’ts, no such portrayal, whether live-action or animated, should be attempted,” said Giani Gargaj.
The remarks came during a meeting with Sikh intellectuals and representatives, where concerns were raised over repeated breaches of established restrictions.
He reiterated that previous directives by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) remain in force.
“The SGPC has already enforced a complete ban on any form of representation of Sikh Gurus and their kin—whether in films, documentaries, songs, or even animated content,” he noted.
The prohibition is not new. “This isn’t a recent decision,” Gargaj added.
“The Religious Advisory Committee of the SGPC had passed a resolution as far back as 1934, prohibiting these portrayals. Similar resolutions were passed again in 1940, 2003, 2015 and 2022.”
The move underscores ongoing apprehensions within the Sikh community over the use of modern technologies, including AI, in religious representation without formal oversight.
