Television

Why Gurbani changed its name

Kavita Awaasthi, Hindustan Times
Mumbai, March 20, 2013

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First Published: 13:58 IST(20/3/2013)
Last Updated: 17:23 IST(20/3/2013)

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A still from Bani-Ishq Da Kalma (Photo Courtesy: Colors.com)

We have seen filmmakers give in to political and religious sentiments in the past. Now, even a television channel has had to do the same. The new show Gurbani was promoted extensively on Colors for over a month before going on air. However, Sikh organisations such as Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak

Committee and Jathedar Akal Takhat Sahib expressed their discontent over the title of the serial at the last minute.

Taking note of the reports and concerns, the channel changed the title from Gurbani to Bani — Ishq da Kalma. Gurbani refers to sacred words in Guru Granth Sahib.

“The title was close to my heart as my niece is named Gurbani. I am from Punjab and a Sikh, and I wanted to show Punjab and the word Gurbani in a good light,” says producer Damini Shetty, adding, “Unfortunately, it seems to have hurt the sentiments of a few people. And since the audience matters to us, we changed the name. We were surprised at this last-minute reaction as the promo has been on air for a while and we even promoted the show in Punjab.” Shetty reveals that there is no change in the story of the serial.

Prashant Bhatt, head of fiction, Colors, says, “The name change will earn us more loyal fans and goodwill as we’ve made people happy. We are here to entertain people, not hurt anyone’s sentiments.”