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Popular YouTuber Dhruv Rathee has landed in hot water following the release of a controversial video that allegedly disrespected Sikh religious sentiments. The now-removed video, titled “The Sikh Warrior Who Terrified the Mughals,” featured AI-generated animations of Sikh Gurus, a move that drew immediate backlash from both religious groups and political figures.

The video, which was 24 minutes and 37 seconds long, was uploaded on Rathee’s YouTube channel on Sunday night. It attempted to narrate the history of Sikhism but used artificial intelligence to visually represent revered Sikh figures, which many viewers found deeply offensive and inappropriate.

Massive Backlash from Sikh Community and Leaders

The video was met with strong opposition across Punjab, with many in the Sikh community accusing Rathee of distorting history and disrespecting their religious beliefs. The portrayal of Guru Gobind Singh Ji in particular triggered anger, as the animation reportedly showed him in a manner considered contrary to Sikh values.

Delhi minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa criticised the video on social media platform X, stating, "I condemn Dhruv Rathee’s recently posted AI-generated video titled 'The Sikh Warrior Who Scared the Mughals'. This video is not only factually incorrect but also deeply insulting to Sikh history and the sentiments of the Sikh community. Depicting Guru Gobind Singh Ji — a symbol of courage and divinity — as a crying child is an affront to the very essence of Sikhism, which represents fearlessness, resilience, and Chardi Kala (eternal optimism).”

Sirsa further noted that the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) had filed an official complaint against Rathee and urged YouTube to review his channel for repeated offences. He called for the registration of an FIR under IPC Section 295A, which deals with deliberate acts intended to outrage religious feelings.

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SGPC Joins the Protest, Calls AI Depiction Unacceptable

The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), the highest religious authority for Sikhs, also condemned the video. SGPC General Secretary Gurcharan Singh Grewal said the Sikh faith does not require AI technology to understand or preserve its heritage. He also accused the video of misrepresenting key historical facts, including the martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji and the legacy of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur.

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Rathee Removes Video, Issues Clarification

Following the intense backlash, Dhruv Rathee took down the video and issued a statement via Instagram: “Thank you for your feedback on the latest video. Even though many of you appreciated the video and would like it to stay on the channel, I have decided to remove it because some viewers feel strongly that any animated depiction of the Sikh Gurus conflicts with their beliefs.”

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While some fans supported the video and praised its educational intent, others argued that religious sensitivities must always be respected especially when dealing with sacred figures and histories.

 

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