Dhruv Rathee takes down AI video after Sikh bodies protest depiction of gurus

New Delhi:  YouTuber Dhruv Rathee has come under criticism from Sikh religious bodies and political leaders in Punjab for releasing an AI-generated video that featured animated depictions of Guru Gobind Singh and his four sons, known as the Sahibzadas. The video, titled The Sikh Warrior Who Terrified the Mughals, was removed from his channel on Monday following mounting backlash over its alleged violation of Sikh tenets.

The 24-minute-long video, which aimed to present the story of Guru Gobind Singh in a dramatised educational format, sparked outrage for visually representing revered Sikh figures, an act that Sikh religious authorities consider strictly prohibited.

The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), the Akal Takht, and the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) led calls for immediate action. They condemned the portrayal as a serious breach of Sikh traditions and demanded strict measures be taken by the government. 

In a statement, SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami said, "Such portrayals violate Sikh principles and traditions. In Sikhi, the Gurus, Sahibzadas, and their families cannot be represented in human form or in films. This YouTuber has acted against the tenets of Sikhism."

Dhami also reiterated that Sikh history is a "sacred and inviolable heritage" and warned of possible legal action if such content is not permanently removed. He noted that the SGPC had already issued resolutions banning any visual or animated depictions of the Gurus or their families in the media.

SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal stated, "Such portrayals violate Sikh rehat maryada, which prohibits visual representations of Guru Sahiban. It has deeply hurt the sentiments of the community."

Badal also criticised the narrative tone of the video, alleging historical inaccuracies and a lack of respectful language. He called on all content creators to treat Sikh history with reverence and avoid sensationalism.

Akal Takht's officiating Jathedar, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, strongly condemned the use of AI visuals, describing it as an “insult” to Sikh traditions and history. He stated that Sikh principles clearly forbid any visual representation of the Gurus, Sahibzadas, their families, or Sikh martyrs. He directed the SGPC to contact relevant ministries for the video's removal and to amplify public awareness about previous SGPC resolutions on the issue.

Punjab BJP spokesperson Pritpal Singh Baliawal also filed a formal complaint with Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. He called for legal proceedings under the Information Technology Act and urged suspension of Rathee’s accounts across YouTube, X (formerly Twitter), and Meta platforms pending an investigation.

As of now, Rathee has not issued any public comments on the controversy.