Mumbai: Actor turned director Ajay Devgn, who is busy shooting for his film ‘Shivaay’ recently announced his next project, ‘Son of Sardaar 2’. The actor will sport a turban for the second time, and play a Sikh freedom fighter in this story that will be based on the historic Battle of Saragarhi.

On Friday, the actor received an open letter from a concerned Sikh group, who expressed their hurt and concerns as the actor prepares to portray the historic battle of 21 Sikhs of the 36th Sikh Regiment (now the 4th Battalion of the Sikh Regiment) of British India.

The note expressed the concerns of the community as ‘the same team allies together to make an 'entertainer' and that too on battle of Saragarhi’. The author of the note also put forth a list of suggestions which made it clear that the battle ‘was not just another battle, but a sheer personification of Sikh spirit’. They also suggested that the ‘legend of Havildar Ishar Singh’ would ‘grab bigger minds’ and lastly to ‘break stereotypes’.

The note read:

Dear Mr. Devgan / Dear Mr. Dhir

Of late, the news of Sons of Sardaar has been in the glare of publicity. Today, this news has reasons to worry concerned Sikhs as your earlier work bearing similar title had deeply hurt Sikh sentiments.

From the trimmed beard, to the lord Shankar tattoo on the shaven chest of protagonist, or the usual stereotyping of Sikhs - calling them inventors of expletives, are still afresh in minds of young Sikhs. Advocate Navkiran Singh had even issued a legal notice to Mr. Devgan (the actor and producer of SOS) which was arrogantly ignored.

Today when the same team allies together to make an 'entertainer' and that too on battle of Saragarhi, intelligent and thinking Sikhs have all reasons to feel concerned and apprehensive.

Please bear with me as I go into the background of such concerns.

Sikhs in India and across the world have always had to struggle hard because of their unique identity. At times being victims of hate crimes or of mistaken identity (one case came to light even while this letter was being written). Inspite of this, legends of their victories, big or small, in far off corners of the world giving Sikhs right to practise their faith, in their own way, keep making headlines.

For a Sikh this identity is a form and expression of his/ her faith, which cherishes his/ her ties with the Sikh Gurus and Khalsa brotherhood. Indian Media system per se has been hostile to this identity. In this background, Sikh identity is being attacked everyday! whether it is in school text books, Santa Banta jokes or the sterotypical potryal of Sikhs as mere clowns in Bollywood. Arguably, the list doesn’t end here. Other techniques and ways are far more subtle and all the more dangerous.

Today, when you are attempting a period film based on epic saga of the battle of Saragarhi, on behalf of entire Sikh community we would like to make the following suggestions and submissions.

For the Sikhs, Saragrahi is not just another battle, its sheer personification of Sikh spirit of bravery, valour and sacrifice. There are also two Gurudwaras constructed and maintained in memory of this battle.

Secondly, authenticity in the form and spirit of the character of those 21 Sikhs including the legend Havildar Ishar Singh would not only enhance the look and feel of the movie, but would also grab bigger mind share in the Sikh diasporas worldwide, which in itself is a sizeable market segment.

Thirdly, you can attempt to break stereotypes with this work. A realistic potrayal of a Sikh, attempted in the past, by Rocket Singh and Bhaag Milkha Bhaag is what the Sikh community and we are sure the audience on the whole would appreciate.

Today the matured audience is more keen to watch authenticity and realism over dramatisation and glamour.

Further as a community in Mumbai we would be more than happy to extend any support in terms of historical data or any other relevant information for the screenplay of this movie.

With this we wish you all the very best in this attempt which has a potential of becoming a monumental work.

Best Regards

Charanjit Singh

Ajay was quick to respond to these concerns and took to his social networking handle to send out the following message:

Dear Charanjit Singh, Taranjit Singh and all the concerned members of the esteemed Sikh Community,

I am touched that your concerns echo my concerns. I am in complete agreement with you. Coming of age as a proud member of the Punjabi community at large, it is for these very reasons as mentioned by you in your open letter, that I have chosen to undertake the journey of the bravest Sons Of Sardar, the Sikhs of Saragarhi.

The battle of Saragarhi fought by the Sikh warriors on this very day, 12th September 1897, epitomizes the strength, valour and courage that every Sikh has ever stood for. The coming generations and the world at large needs to not only know but also celebrate in every way the sacrifice that these brave soldiers made for the honour and lives of their troops in the battle of Saragarhi.

At the right time the correct responsible people and sources concerned will be consulted to take accurate inputs to be included in the film. We have undertaken a detailed research. This is not just my film, this is not just a film, this is a tribute to the true meaning of 'Sardaar'.

Today, on the Saragarhi Day, I salute the men who stood tall against all odds, I salute the Warriors of Saragarhi - Sons Of Sardaar