Chandigarh, May 19: Popular YouTuber and influencer Dhruv Rathee has taken down his controversial video on Sikh Gurus and historical events following widespread outrage from the Sikh community. The video, which used AI-generated visuals to depict revered figures like Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji and Banda Singh Bahadur, had sparked backlash from both religious bodies and individuals for allegedly distorting history and hurting religious sentiments.
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), along with the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC), had earlier issued strong objections to the video’s content. They accused Rathee of trivializing Sikh history, presenting inaccuracies, and showing a lack of reverence by animating sacred personalities.
Facing mounting criticism, Rathee initially responded with a social media poll asking viewers whether the video should be deleted, blurred, or left unchanged. While some supported his effort to educate the public, a large number of viewers, particularly from the Sikh community, found the approach disrespectful.
On Sunday evening, the video was quietly removed from his YouTube channel. Rathee has not yet issued an official statement confirming the deletion, but the move is being seen as a result of public and institutional pressure.
Community leaders have welcomed the removal but stressed the need for content creators to consult with religious scholars and communities when dealing with sensitive historical and spiritual subjects. The SGPC stated that while digital storytelling can be a powerful tool, it must be rooted in accuracy and cultural respect.
This incident marks a growing debate over the use of AI in historical narration, especially concerning religious figures. It also serves as a reminder that creative freedom carries a responsibility—particularly when faith and history intersect.
