Dhruv Rathee Removes Video After Sikh Guru AI Visuals Sparks Row
Popular YouTuber and content creator Dhruv Rathee has removed his video titled “The Sikh Warrior Who Terrified the Mughals” following strong criticism from Sikh religious institutions and political leaders. The video, which used AI visuals to depict Sikh gurus, sparked widespread outrage for allegedly violating key religious principles of Sikhism.
Rathee made the announcement in an Instagram post, stating that while his intention was to educate viewers about historical figures, he respected the sentiments of those who found the content offensive. “Some viewers feel strongly that any animated depiction of the Sikh Gurus conflicts with their beliefs,” he wrote, adding that he had no desire to turn the issue into a “political or religious controversy.”
However, the damage had already been done. The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), Akal Takht, and the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) all condemned the video. SGPC President Harjinder Singh Dhami said, “Such portrayals violate Sikh principles and traditions. The gurus and their families cannot be represented in human form or films.”
Delhi Cabinet Minister and BJP leader Manjinder Singh Sirsa also criticised the video, calling it “disrespectful” and accusing Rathee of distorting Sikh history. SAD chief Sukhbir Singh Badal echoed the sentiment, saying, “This video hurt the sentiments of millions and disregarded Sikh rehat maryada.”
The Akal Takht’s officiating Jathedar, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, demanded the video be taken down immediately. “Visual representation of gurus and Sikh martyrs is strictly prohibited. The content was offensive and against the tenets of Sikhism,” he said.
In a major development, the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) has filed a formal complaint with the Cyber Crime Cell against Dhruv Rathee. DSGMC President Harmeet Singh Kalka accused Rathee of distorting historical facts, particularly about Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s martyrdom and the legacy of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur Ji.
“Such portrayals are a grave violation of Sikh religious values,” the DSGMC stated in its complaint, warning that with over 10 million subscribers, Rathee’s influence could mislead the public on sacred matters.
