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Film "Jo Bole So Nihaal" Pulled From Punjab

By STAFF

The Associated Press, Amritsar, May 21, 2005


Photo: A scene from the film 'Jo Bole So Nihaal'


Photo: Liquor barons Ponty Chadha (left) and Amrik Singh Dhillon

A Hindi-language film has been pulled from theatres in northern India after Sikh religious leaders condemned it. The film, Jo Bole So Nihaal, angered Sikh communities in Punjab and Haryana states because of its title and scenes depicting a Sikh character being chased by scantily clad women.

'Until the producer and director of this movie remove the controversial scenes, this movie should not be screened anywhere in India at any cost,' said Bibi Jagir Kaur of the Sikh Temple Management Committee [S.G.P.C.].

Producer Ponty Chadha [born Gurdeep Singh] said the filmmakers didn't intend to offend Sikh viewers. 'As a true Sikh, I wouldn't dream of hurting Sikh religious feelings,' Chadha said. Chadha, however, said no changes would be made. 'That is why I have withdrawn the film from theatres in Punjab and Haryana.'