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Sikh organisation unhappy with 'Adil Ray Show'

Tommy Sandhu The Network of Sikh Organisations (NSO) Media Monitoring Group has expressed concern about output on the 'Adil Ray Show' on the BBC Asian Network.

In the programme aired on Wednesday this week (15th July), the stand-in presenter, Tommy Sandhu (pictured) shared that he was growing a beard for his wedding.

The verbatim then led him to a 'Dhari room' (beard room) in the 'big baba house' (Big Brother house) to get advice on his itchy beard from 'big baba' (Big Brother). He was exhorted by 'big baba' to maintain his traditional Dhari with turban, even though he explained that it was uncomfortable, itchy and that he felt like he was 'in disguise' and not like 'the real me'.

The Secretary of the media monitoring group expressed concern over the content of the broadcast. "It is vital that BBC Asian Network maintain their sense of humour, however not at the expense of indirectly mocking traditions where turbans and beards are sacred, such as Sikhism."

He added, "We are disappointed with the utter disregard to sensitivities of the community and really hope BBC Asian Network refrain from such toilet humour in the future."

This affair represents an unfortunate example of media misrepresentation of people that adhere to the obvious symbols of the Sikh faith.

This follows on from recent concerns expressed by the media monitoring group on religious output by the BBC in both television programming and exclusion of Sikhs on the issue of faith leadership on a flagship Radio programme earlier this year. A number of MP's have also expressed their desire to rectify the imbalance in religious television programming to allow for proportionate coverage on Sikhism.

Update from the BBC: "The Asian Network is fully aware of the sensitivities around different faiths and cultures and we explore them all the time in our content. We would never seek to offend anyone."

The BBC has corrected the NSO's claim that the Tommy was referring to 'The Big Barber Room' not 'Big Baba Room'. 'Big Brother' has been featured on Adil's show since the beginning of the latest series, as has Tommy Sandhu's imminent wedding.

Related links:
Sikh "snub" on BBC angers Sikh organisation
BBC & NSO's meeting "positive" on faith shows
BBC accused of bias against Sikhs & Hindus

Editor: Raj Baddhan Source: NSO
Comments
DISCLAIMER: The views expressed here are those of the authors and are not necessarily the views of the site owner and/or moderators. If the reader considers a post to cause offence, then he or she should use the contact page to let the site administrator know. The complaint should be dealt with within 24 hours, but please respect the fact that the moderator may be living in a different time zone.

BBC Asian Network are not fit for purpose, first they don't play enough Pakistani music & now they mock sardars.

Posted by: Afzal Chaudery
---

My dad compains about his dhari all the time. Are this lot going to write him a letter ?

Posted by: Inderjit Nijjer
---

I don't get it, what is the fuss, nothing bad was said, nothing racist, if you dont like it don't listen

Posted by: Lula Patel
---

This isn't racist or offensive. Why is this issue?

Posted by: Sukh Sangha
---

I been listeing to the radio show for the last 3 yrs and i do understand tommy sandhus point and also how us Sikhs can get offeneded by it, in the end i agree that it can offend us, even thought he might of not wanted to as he is a Sikh himself, he should of known better as its protraying a bad image for the Sikhs.

Posted by: kaz
---

Its offensive, but not that offensive.

The NSO only complain on behalf of the public.

Posted by: lee
---

Isn't this being very critical. Basically its like only Sikh people have beards! I dont think so!! Many faiths and religions do. Beardist??!!?

Posted by: Imran Mahmood
---

I as a Sikh I dont see a problem with the comments, its probably light hearted humour between friends. End of day more important issues the Sikh organization should be concentrating on such as how to have a more Sikhs within the media and educate people about Sikhism.

Posted by: Ranjit Singh
---

People just want something to talk about. Who made the Network of Sikh Organisations (NSO) Media Monitoring spokespeople for the Sikh community?


Posted by: Bearded Sikh
---

The BBC rarely have anything positive to say about Sikhs. The Sikh community is only represented in the media by people who have rejected it's teachings anyway. It's a shame this presenter felt he had to resort to mocking what is an article of faith to many, in order to raise a few cheap laughs.
Mindless Tat - switch it off.

Posted by: harj
---

I've been listening to this show -Tommy Sandhu's a well funny guy! I dont think people should pass comment if they didnt listen to the show! He's not mocking ANYONE! He was talking about his 'Darri room' in the Big BARBER house. NOT 'baba'!! the accusation is flawed and incorrect!
im sikh and i'd be the 1st person to jump in if i felt he was dissing my religion or culture ... but he's not!

Big up all my asian brothers and sisters worldwide!


Posted by: Tony
---

I cannot believe this will work!

Posted by: Money Matt
---

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