Now Akal Takht wants Godman Gurmeet Singh's upcoming film 'MSG' banned

Chandigarh: Controversial Sirsa-based Dera Sacha Sauda sect head Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh has again landed in a controversy after different Sikh organisations have demanded a ban on his film, which releases early next year. The sect head is set to star in the film Messenger of God (MSG) next month where he himself is in the lead role and has also sung songs for the movie and has even directed the film. However, the Akal Takht has sought a ban on the film by the Punjab government. Akal Takht head Gurbachan Singh said the sect head is facing murder and rape charges and his film is meant to “confuse” the people. “The content of the film will hurt the religious sentiments of Hindus, Sikhs and Muslims,” he said urging the Punjab government to impose a ban on the upcoming film. All India Sikh Students Federation (AISSF) head Karnail Singh Peermohammed has asked the Centre and the state government to impose a ban on the release of the film. He said Akal Takht in the recent past has already asked people not to attend religious congregations held by the sect head and it was the duty of Sikh organisations not to allow the release of the film. [caption id=“attachment_1985953” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] Screenshot of Gurmeet Singh’s film.[/caption] Akal Takht had earlier objected the Sirsa-based sect head’s alleged imitation of Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru, which sparked clashes between Sikhs and dera followers in Punjab. SAD spokesman and cabinet Minister Daljeet Singh Cheema said any decision on the film will be taken once it is released on January 16. “If something is found objectionable in the film, the government will approach the film censor board to ban it,” he said. The AISSF even demanded a probe on from where the Dera head got money to produce a film. Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD-Mann) head Simranjit Singh Mann too sought a ban on the film as Gurmeet, who is in the lead role is already “facing trial in a murder and rape case”. MSG shows the Dera head wearing flashy outfits and performing stunts like emerging from ice and dancing and singing. However, the Dera officials said the sect head is working to eradicate social evils, including female foeticide, and intake of drugs besides contibuting to cleanliness drive. PTI