AI-Generated Film Poster Depicting Sikh Character Sparks Community Complaint in Mumbai
An AI-generated image showing actor Ranveer Singh in traditional Sikh attire smoking a cigarette circulated online in connection with the film Dhurandhar 2. The Sikh community filed a complaint with Mumbai police alleging the image disrespects Sikh religious sentiments, while the film's director stated the image was not official and promised action against those responsible for creating and sharing it.
What happened
An AI-generated image began circulating online showing actor Ranveer Singh dressed in traditional Sikh attire, including a turban, while smoking a cigarette. The image was not part of any official promotional material for the film Dhurandhar 2, according to director Aditya Dhar.
Sardar Gurjyot Singh, president of Sikhs in Maharashtra, filed a written complaint with Mumbai's Mulund Police Station, arguing that the image depicts a character in a manner that goes against Sikh religious principles and disrespects the community and Guru Gobind Singh.
Reported impact
Members of the Sikh community raised strong objections to the image, stating that showing a man in a turban smoking violates Sikh beliefs and disrespects religious symbols including the turban, beard and kara.
Index analysis
Director Aditya Dhar issued a statement saying the image was created using artificial intelligence and was being shared to create confusion and mislead people. He stated those responsible for creating and sharing the image could face action.
Governance controls
Aditya Dhar stated he respects the Sikh community and has been careful in how the film presents Sikh characters, noting that every detail in the actual film has been handled with care and responsibility. In the film, Ranveer Singh's character appears as a Sikh named Jaskirat Singh.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.