the-lion-of-punjab (295K)There is no denying the fact that the three things that have been mentioned in the title need to be synchronized in order to bring out a synergy which results in the benefit of all. But one thing is sure that where the dichotomy of "Being a sikh" and "Being a Punjabi" haunts the masses, I find films to be a very effective way to resolve the conflict as an individual can be either one or both. Though I'm not writing this article for the sake of any political mobilization on religious or ethnic grounds but I'm doing it in order to resolve the much exaggerated controversy which has been made to look invincible by the people who're problem-creators instead of problem-solvers. With the increasing dependence on media by the industry, politics, business, education, entertainment etc., religion cannot stay behind to show its dependence on the media and advanced technology. For those friends who excessively advocate spirituality, I want to say that one can give a better sermon and address a larger number of people using a mike. Also the telecast of Gurbani Kirtan from Golden Temple, Amritsar, by a few TV channels, has facilitated the lives of sikh sangats throughout the world. I mean to say that dependence on technology is inevitable and its judicious use can definitely expedite the attainment of the goals whether religious or political.

Now coming back to the core issue of projection of Sikhs in the film industry, I must say that there's no problem at all as a huge industry like Bollywood hasn't been invincible for Sikhs. People like Dharmendra, Neetu Singh, Simi Garewal have been able to enjoy a strong presence in bollywood. Hollywood, though the BEST in the world hasn't enjoyed the contribution of a mainstream sikh and also seems too egotistical about itself as recently a big shot like Tom Hanks played down on even bollywood and a celebrity like Amitabh Bachchan when he recently addressed an NDTV reporter. But the point remains that projection of "SAABAT SURAT SIKHS" (Sikhs with turban & uncut hair) has been a very controversial issue in any film industry whether it is Hollywood, bollywood or the unnamed Punjabi film industry.

There have been some recent films like Dharti and the Lions of Punjab that have impressed people by the content and the concept that they've been centered around. "Dharti" is a political drama where an IAF pilot from a political elitist family makes a comeback to cleanup the corrupt political system in Punjab and avenge the death of his brother out of a politically motivated conspiracy. "The Lion of Punjab" is a typical entertainer based upon the real-life problem of the spread of cancer in the MALWA area of Punjab and Diljit has done a good job to glorify turban, if we look beyond his trimmed beard, and has also looked very cute in a turban. This film has also has reflected a corrupt political system in Punjab and the protagonist cleans-up the system in this film too. These two films remind of the Bollywood films of 1990's which clearly show that the industry is in the process of evolution.

So! The need of the hour is to come up with an industry that can synergize the Punjabism and Sikhism and such industry should focus on the projects centered around realistic subjects addressing the issues of the modern and post-modern society. Now! I just hope that I've laid some sort of ground for the intellectuals to brainstorm about and the influential people to decide about. Though I'm always there for the saadh-sangat for any suggestion or to pour in any thought to the much-awaited think tank about this subject. I must say that the Sikhnet annual film festival is doing a tremendous job. In fact, if we look at the larger picture, it could grow to become the much needed full-fledged film industry. I would request saadh-sangat to kindly pour in some thoughts on this very relevant issue that needs to be addressed asap.

Waheguru ji ka Khalsa, Waheguru ji ki Fateh!!

 

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