Amritsar, October 8
Expressing dismay over the behaviour of cricketer Harbhajan Singh (Bhajji), who danced in the television show, “Ek Khiladi Ek Haseena”, with Mona Singh, wearing a tilak and dressed as Ravana, Jathedar of Akal Takht Giani Gurbachan Singh has said he (Harbhajan) should tender an unconditional apology to Guru Granth Sahib and the Sikh Sangat for hurting the sentiments of the Sikhs.
Talking to The Tribune here today, the Jathedar, however, said he had not received any written complaint against the cricketer so far. He said the incident had caused resentment among the Sikh community.
Earlier in April last year, model and cricket commentator Mandira Bedi had to apologise to the Takht over the use of a Sikh religious symbol “Ek Omkar” on her body as a tattoo during a fashion show in Mumbai.
He said the act of Harbhajan, being him a Sikh, was highly objectionable because he wore tilak and acted as Ravana, dancing publicly. Such acts could not be tolerated, he said.
However, the Jathedar hastened to add that the incident would be probed after receiving a written complaint. “If somebody files a complaint, suitable action against the cricketer can be initiated, irrespective of the fact that he is not a baptised Sikh.”
He suggested that Harbhajan should not take any step in future that hurt the sentiments of any community.
“At the international level, everybody knows Harbhajan as a Sikh and whatever he does reflects on our community”, the Jathedar added.
Meanwhile, the Punjab Welfare Organisation, headed by Varinder Paryhar, has announced to burn an effigy of the cricketer here on October 10, if he failed to tender a public apology.
