In May 2025, the Dhruv Rathee Guru Gobind Singh AI Video created a firestorm in the Sikh community. The video used artificial intelligence to show scenes from the life of Guru Gobind Singh Ji and early Sikh warriors. Because Sikh tradition forbids visual depictions of the Gurus, many listeners felt the Dhruv Rathee Guru Gobind Singh AI Video disrespected their faith. Within a day, Dhruv Rathee set the video to private out of respect for Sikh sentiments.
But why did Dhruv Rathee delete this AI video? What really happened behind the scenes? Let’s dive into the story.
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What Happened in the Dhruv Rathee Guru Gobind Singh AI Video?
The Dhruv Rathee Guru Gobind Singh AI Video began by narrating the formation of the Khalsa in 1699. It then used AI-generated animations to show Guru Gobind Singh Ji leading battles and facing adversity. The video also highlighted Banda Singh Bahadur’s victories. While visually striking, these AI visuals directly conflicted with the Rehat Maryada, which teaches that the Gurus should be remembered through their words and hymns, not images or animations.
Sikh Authorities Speak Out
When news of the Dhruv Rathee Guru Gobind Singh AI Video spread, major Sikh bodies reacted:
- SGPC (Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee): President Harjinder Singh Dhami called the video “spiritually disrespectful” and demanded its immediate removal.
- Akal Takht Sahib: Acting Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj urged Dhruv Rathee to delete the Dhruv Rathee Guru Gobind Singh AI Video “right away,” reminding everyone that no one may depict the Gurus on screen.
- DSGMC (Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee): Filed a legal complaint under Section 295A, stating the AI visuals of Guru Gobind Singh Ji hurt Sikh religious feelings.
Strongly object to an animation video created using AI by YouTuber @dhruv_rathee , which features the Tenth Guru, Sri Guru Gobind Singh, and the Sahibzadas. The video should be taken down immediately and I urge the government to take the strictest possible action against such…
— Harjinder Singh Dhami (@SGPCPresident) May 19, 2025
Learn more about Sikh conduct rules at sgpc.net.
Why Dhruv Rathee Deleted the Video
Facing strong objections, Dhruv Rathee made the Dhruv Rathee Guru Gobind Singh AI Video private and posted an apology.
This choice underlines the need for content creators to balance innovation with respect, especially when using AI to tell stories about sacred figures.
Lessons from the Dhruv Rathee Guru Gobind Singh AI Video Incident
- Respect Religious Traditions: The Dhruv Rathee AI-generated video of Guru Gobind SIngh ji shows how important it is to follow the Rehat Maryada when discussing Sikh history.
- Consult Community Leaders: Talking to Sikh scholars before publishing the Dhruv Rathee AI Video could have prevented the controversy.
- Use AI Ethically: AI can enhance storytelling, but projects like the Dhruv Rathee Guru Gobind Singh AI Video must be handled with cultural care.
Helpful Links
- Sikh Rehat Maryada (Rules): sikhnet.com/rehat-maryada
- Guru Gobind Singh Ji Info: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guru_Gobind_Singh
Read More
- Check our guide on the Daily Routine of Harmandir Sahib to learn Sikh worship.
- See the Map of the Golden Temple for a virtual tour of Amritsar’s holy site.
FAQs
What exactly did Dhruv Rathee show in his Guru Gobind Singh AI video?
The video used AI to create pictures showing scenes from Sikh history, including images of Guru Gobind Singh Ji and other Sikhs. Many people were upset because Sikh tradition does not allow pictures of the Gurus to be shown in a video.
What role did SGPC and Akal Takht play in this Dharuv Rathee controversy?
Both SGPC and Akal Takht publicly criticized the video and called for its removal to protect Sikh religious values.
Can content creators use AI to make videos about Sikh history without offending anyone?
Creators need to be very cautious, consult religious experts, and avoid creating visual depictions of Gurus to respect Sikh beliefs.
Why is the use of AI in religious videos sensitive in Sikh culture?
Because Sikhism forbids images of Gurus, using AI to generate such visuals is seen as disrespectful and can cause hurt feelings in the community.
Did Dhruv Rathee apologize or respond to the backlash?
Yes, Dhruv Rathee removed the video and addressed the concerns, explaining his intentions but acknowledging the importance of respecting religious sentiments.
How did the Sikh community react to Dhruv Rathee’s video?
The Sikh community expressed strong disapproval, citing that visual representation of Gurus is forbidden. Religious bodies demanded the video be taken down immediately.