YouTuber Withdraws Content Amid Outrage
Jalandhar, May 19, 2025 (Yes Punjab News)
Popular YouTuber Dhruv Rathee is facing massive criticism after releasing a controversial AI-generated video titled “The Sikh Warrior Who Terrified the Mughals”, which has now been made private on YouTube.
The video, which was live for approximately 18 hours, provoked strong reactions from the Sikh community, accusing Rathee of distorting Sikh history, misrepresenting Guru Sahibs, and hurting religious sentiments.
The 24-minute, 37-second video, uploaded on Sunday night, featured AI visuals and narration that allegedly disrespected core aspects of Sikh history and traditions.
Community members were particularly enraged at the unauthorized visual depictions of Sikh Gurus, which is strictly prohibited under the Sikh Rehat Maryada (Sikh code of conduct). Rathee’s use of AI to recreate historical events without cultural and religious sensitivity has been described as highly inappropriate and misleading.
The video notably referenced Baba Banda Singh Bahadur in a manner critics found trivializing, comparing the revered Sikh warrior to a ‘Robin Hood’-like figure. In addition, important events such as the martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji were reportedly misrepresented, further fueling the backlash.
As criticism intensified across social media platforms, Rathee posted a message expressing the effort behind the video and asked for public opinion on whether it should be removed. Despite his defense, he quietly marked the video private around 4:30 AM IST on Monday.
Official Condemnation by SGPC and Political Leaders
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) issued a strong condemnation of the video. SGPC General Secretary Gurcharan Singh Grewal said the Sikh community does not need AI-generated reinterpretations of its sacred history and demanded strict action against the YouTuber.
Grewal criticized Rathee for his lack of respect in referring to Guru Sahiban and called the portrayal of historical Sikh figures misleading and deeply hurtful.
Shiromani Akali Dal President Sukhbir Singh Badal also condemned the video, stating that such content violates the Sikh Rehat Maryada and undermines the dignity of Sikh Gurus. In a post on X, Badal demanded the video’s removal and urged all content creators to respect religious sentiments and historical accuracy when dealing with sensitive topics.
“Respect for religious traditions and accurate historical representation are non-negotiable,” Badal said, adding, “Let us promote education and awareness with reverence.”
The controversy highlights the urgent need for responsible storytelling in the age of AI content generation, particularly when dealing with religious or historical subjects.
