Secretariat Sri Akal Takht Sahib in-charge Bagicha Singh said that, following the directions of the Jathedar, a formal written communication had been sent to the production house.
Advertisement
The Akal Takht has rejected a proposal from Mumbai-based Bhanushali Studios, seeking permission to produce a film on the life of legendary Sikh commander Hari Singh Nalwa, citing an existing directive that prohibits films or digital portrayals of historic Sikh warriors.
Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargajj, said that the request was examined in light of a decision taken by the five Singh Sahiban on December 28, 2025, under which films, animated films, and artificial intelligence-based videos cannot be made on historic Sikh warriors. He said that Sardar Hari Singh Nalwa falls within the same category and, therefore, approval for such a project could not be granted.
Advertisement
The proposal had been submitted by the prominent Bollywood production company Bhanushali Studios Limited. Its co-producer Bhavesh Bhanushali had written to the Akal Takht seeking permission to make a film on the life of the noted warrior of the Sikh Empire (1799-1849) and had also requested a meeting with the Jathedar and representatives of SGPC for discussions on the project.
Advertisement
Secretariat Sri Akal Takht Sahib in-charge Bagicha Singh said that, following the directions of the Jathedar, a formal written communication had been sent to the production house informing it that no film could be made on the life of Hari Singh Nalwa.
He added that copies of the directive issued by the five Singh Sahiban regarding films on Sikh historical personalities had also been forwarded to the studio in both the original form and English translation, so that the company remains aware of the restrictions while planning any future projects related to Sikh history