Ammy Virk calls out Bollywood for ‘character assassination’ of Sikhs

Punjabi singer-actor Ammy Virk has opened up about the way Sikhs were portrayed in Bollywood in the past. Ahead of the release of his upcoming film Saunkan Saunkne 2, Ammy reflected on how Hindi films earlier reduced Sikh characters to either muscle-bound figures or comic relief, ignoring the depth and diversity of the community.

In a recent interview with Hindustan Times, Ammy acknowledged that some early stereotypes came from lived experiences. "If you go to Shri Hazur Sahib, you’ll see that kind of look. Sikhs have lived in Maharashtra for generations, and their culture mixes with the local one. Filmmakers may have picked characters from there," he explained.

However, he also pointed out that filmmakers could have made more thoughtful choices. “Of course, there has been some character assassination, too,” he said. “They could have shown Sikhs as sophisticated people. There have been Sikh Prime Ministers and pop stars. They also represent our culture.”

Ammy Virk, one of the few mainstream Sikh actors in Hindi cinema alongside Diljit Dosanjh, expressed satisfaction with the changing portrayal of Sikhs in the industry. He noted that actors like Diljit Dosanjh are doing well and representing the community on the global stage.

Talking about his upcoming film Saunkan Saunkne 2, Ammy mentioned that the movie, which reunites him with Sargun Mehta and Nimrat Khaira, follows the story of a man navigating polygamy while seeking a third wife. He stated that despite the sensitive theme, the film had not faced any criticism. He credited this to the audience’s ability to understand and differentiate between entertainment and reality.

He further explained that the viewers are smart enough to know when a film is made for fun and not meant to convey a deeper message, comparing it to the over-the-top action scenes often seen in South Indian films, which are also not grounded in real life.

Reflecting on his experience shooting Qismat 2, Ammy recalled a moment during the climax shoot when the weather was extremely cold. He said that although the scene was intense, he and Sargun Mehta managed to laugh through it, thanks to the strong off-screen bond they shared, which helped them keep the mood light. Saunkan Saunkne 2 is scheduled to release in theatres on May 30.