Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut, who is also a BJP MP from Mandi in Himachal Pradesh, has lashed out at protests against her film ‘Emergency’, released on Friday (January 17, 2025), calling them an attempt to tarnish her image and harm her work.
Speaking on the controversy, Kangana Ranaut said, “This is complete harassment of art and the artiste. In many cities across Punjab, people are being stopped from watching the film. I have the utmost respect for all religions and, having grown up in Chandigarh, I have closely observed and followed the Sikh religion.”
The film, which chronicles the events of the 1975 Emergency period in India, has sparked controversy in Punjab, with critics accusing it of misrepresenting Sikh history and tarnishing their image. Kangana, however, dismissed these allegations as “lies and propaganda”.
SGPC demands ban on film
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), a prominent Sikh body, has expressed strong objections to ‘Emergency’.
SGPC president Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami has written to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, urging a ban on the film in the state. In his letter, Dhami claimed that the film misrepresents history and defames the Sikh community, warning of anger and unrest if the film continued to be screened.
Letters demanding a ban have also been sent to all Deputy Commissioners in Punjab. Dhami emphasised, “If this film is released, we will strongly oppose it.”
Congress leader backs SGPC’s demand
Congress leader Sukhpal Khaira has voiced his support for the SGPC’s demand, calling on the Punjab government to take swift action.
Khaira said, “I support the demand of SGPC to ban the film ‘Emergency’. Kangana Ranaut, a known critic of farmers and Sikhs, has no understanding of their immense contribution to the country. This film brings defamation to Punjab and its people.”
Khaira urged Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to ensure that the film does not screen in Punjab, aligning with sentiments expressed by the SGPC.
In response to the growing opposition, Kangana has reiterated her respect for Sikhism and other religions, stating that her portrayal of events in ‘Emergency’ was based on historical facts. “This is an effort to silence my voice and diminish my work. I appeal to everyone to judge the film after watching it,” she said.
