Ammy Virk Slams Stereotyping Of Sikhs In Bollywood: ‘We Were Reduced To Comic Relief'

News18

23-05-2025

Last Updated:
Ammy Virk reflects on the misrepresentation of Sikhs in Bollywood, calling out the industry for reducing them to comic stereotypes.
Ammy Virk is not just an actor or a singer—he is a storyteller who glides effortlessly between the worlds of music, drama, and comedy. As he gears up for the release of Saunkan Saunkne 2, the sequel to one of his most beloved Punjabi comedies, Ammy reflects on cinema, culture, and the evolving portrayal of Sikhs in mainstream Indian films.
For decades, Sikh characters in Hindi cinema were often boxed into narrow stereotypes—loud, comic, often caricatured. But that narrative is beginning to shift. Ammy, along with Diljit Dosanjh, represents a new wave of artists pushing boundaries and stepping into substantial, leading roles that reflect the community's depth and diversity.
'I don't fault the Hindi film industry entirely for that," Ammy says candidly when asked about the longstanding typecasting. 'They had seen these kinds of stereotypes around them. If you go to Shri Hazur Sahib in Maharashtra, you'll find Sikhs who've lived there for generations. Their appearance and culture are very different from that in Punjab. It's a result of that regional mix. Filmmakers just borrowed from what they observed."
But he doesn't let cinema off the hook completely. 'Of course, there has been some character assassination too. Sikhs could have been shown as sophisticated as well—think of Sikh prime ministers, thinkers, pop stars. They, too, represent who we are," he adds. 'But now, I am happy with the change. People like Diljit paaji are doing so well and representing us globally."
Ammy's latest film sees him reunite with longtime collaborators Sargun Mehta and Nimrat Khaira. Their off-screen camaraderie has been a vital ingredient in creating memorable moments on screen. Recalling a particularly emotional scene from Qismat 2, Ammy shares, 'It was freezing cold. Sargun and I were out in the open shooting the climax. Tania was rushing to get us blankets. And we were still cracking up. Even when the scene was heavy, that rapport helped keep us grounded."
As Saunkan Saunkne 2 prepares for its theatrical release on May 30, Ammy remains a force of Punjabi cinema—grounded in tradition, yet always pushing for a richer, more nuanced representation of his people and their stories.