AMRITSAR, May 20: — Popular YouTuber Dhruv Rathee on Monday took down his artificial intelligence-generated video featuring Guru Gobind Singh and the Sahibzade (the four sons of the Tenth Sikh Guru) following strong objections from Sikh leaders and institutions who said the portrayal was offensive and historically inaccurate.
The move came after Akal Takht acting jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj and Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Harjinder Singh Dhami publicly demanded the video’s removal, citing deep hurt caused to Sikh sentiments. Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal also joined the chorus of criticism.
In a video statement, Giani Gargaj said, “Depiction of Gurus, their family members, and martyrs as moving characters is strictly prohibited—whether in regular or animated films. The video also misrepresents Sikh history and distorts factual narratives. Sikhs will never tolerate such acts.”
He also urged the SGPC to formally take up the matter with the Union government to prevent further misuse of Sikh history in digital or cinematic portrayals.
SGPC chief Dhami echoed the concern and demanded firm governmental action. “The SGPC has passed resolutions banning depiction of Sikh Gurus or their families in any form of film or animation. The AI-generated visuals used in Dhruv Rathee’s video not only violate this ban but also contain historical inaccuracies that have wounded religious sentiments,” Dhami said.
SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal criticized the video’s tone and content. “The lack of respectful language and misleading narratives have made matters worse,” he stated. “Content creators must act responsibly and sensitively when dealing with Sikh Gurus or our community’s sacred history.”
While Rathee has not issued a public statement as of Monday evening, the video’s removal appeared to follow mounting pressure from Sikh leadership and community outrage online.
