‘Popular’ YouTuber Dhruv Rathee has once again found himself at the center of controversy, this time over his AI-generated video titled The Sikh Warrior Who Terrified the Mughals. The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has urged the Union government to take action against him, accusing him of distorting Sikh history and hurting religious sentiments.
The 24-minute-long video, which Rathee uploaded on Sunday night, used artificial intelligence to depict historical events, including Baba Banda Singh Bahadur’s battles against the Mughals. However, the SGPC strongly condemned the video, arguing that Sikh history does not need AI interpretations.
SGPC General Secretary Gurcharan Singh Grewal criticized the video, stating that it misrepresents key events, particularly the martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur and the legacy of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur. He also objected to Rathee’s casual use of Guru Sahib’s name without honorifics, calling it deeply disrespectful.
“The Sikh community does not need Dhruv Rathee’s artificial intelligence to narrate our sacred history,” Grewal said. “His video distorts historical facts and disrespects the memory of our revered Gurus.”
The SGPC has called for strict government action against Rathee and urged authorities to regulate AI-generated historical content, especially when it involves sensitive religious matters.
Grewal warned that misinformed storytelling could mislead younger audiences and those unfamiliar with Sikh traditions.
Political Leaders Join the Criticism
Shiromani Akali Dal President Sukhbir Singh Badal also condemned Rathee’s video, stating that it violates Sikh religious principles, which prohibit visual representations of Sikh Gurus. He criticized the language used in the video, saying it hurt Sikh sentiments.
Badal urged content creators to be cautious when discussing Sikh history, emphasizing the need for respect and accuracy. He also demanded that Rathee delete the video immediately.
Rathee Removes Controversial Video
Following the backlash, Dhruv Rathee deleted the video The Sikh Warrior Who Terrified the Mughals from his YouTube channel.