Amritsar –BJP Punjab Spokesperson and Sikh thinker Prof. Sarchand Singh Khiala has strongly objected to a scene in the trailer of the upcoming Punjabi film “Nikka Zaildar 4”, directed by Simerjit Singh and starring Ammy Virk, in which actress Sonam Bajwa, playing the role of a Sikh family’s daughter-in-law, is shown holding a cigarette.Prof. Khiala said that tobacco is one of the four major prohibitions (kurehits) in the Sikh code of conduct. In Sikh society, even men refrain from touching tobacco, but showing a Sikh woman smoking is an insult to Sikh tradition and an open mockery of Sikh principles. “This is not just a scene, but a deliberate conspiracy to undermine Sikh faith and Punjabi culture by planting a distorted image of Sikh women in the younger generation’s minds. Such objectionable scenes must be removed immediately,” he demanded.
He further stated that the Punjabi film and music industry has for long been promoting vulgarity, guns, gang culture, violence, and drugs. Now, by depicting Sikh women smoking hookah, drinking alcohol, and consuming cigarettes, a psychological conspiracy is being carried out against Punjabi culture, Sikh heritage, and the dignity of Sikh women.
Prof. Khiala said it was unfortunate that despite the presence of a sensitive artist like Ammy Virk, the film has shown a Sikh family woman smoking, which amounts to character assassination of women and a dangerous attempt to drag Punjab’s fragile culture into decline. “Artists like Ammy Virk must realize that youth see them as role models. When Sikh women are portrayed indulging in alcohol, hookah, and cigarettes in their presence, it becomes their responsibility to stop such distortions,” he added.
Warning against such trends, Prof. Khiala said that sacrificing Punjabi culture for commercial interests is extremely dangerous as it will cut the coming generations from their roots. “This is even more harmful for the Punjabi youth living abroad, who largely know Punjab through films and music. Driven by greed and money, this trend will create a cultural crisis and destroy the dignity of our great Punjabi heritage,” he said.
Prof. Khiala noted that while every Punjabi takes pride in his culture and heritage, it is unfortunate that the Punjab government has no concrete cultural policy. He reminded that the Supreme Court, during the previous government, had ordered a ban on vulgar and violent videos and songs being played on buses in Punjab. Similarly, he urged that the Censor Board must act strictly and stop the release of scenes that create cultural degradation in society.
In conclusion, Prof. Khiala appealed to Punjabis worldwide to remain alert to this repeated conspiratorial pattern in Punjabi films. “Punjabis have always been known for their clean, healthy, and dignified character. To protect our traditions, respect, and self-esteem, every Punjabi must rise against this conspiracy. Especially, Punjabi women should come forward to oppose this cultural character-assassination, otherwise our healthy cultural heritage will be pushed into a deep crisis,” he said.