Browse News Categories:
Expand All | Collapse All

Untitled Document
love-guru
small-love-guru 'Guru-Shishya' tradition ridiculed in Hollywood’s movie 'The Love Guru'
Read more
Hussain Credit Card Innocent MF Husain? Be judge of Husain's paintings here! ...
Read more
Save Ram Setu
Temple in danger Congress government is going to break Sree Ram Setu...
Read more
Join Hindu Revolution Group

Know more

Search news | RSS Feed
News » Denigrations » Saints & Hindu Icons

Hindus urge retailers not to carry “The Love Guru” DVD

August 28, 2008

Shravan Shuddha Shashthi

Participate in online signature drive against 'The Love Guru', Click Here
Get earlier protest details about anti-hindu movie 'The Love Guru'

Click Here for other details in this news

Updated News

By Rajan Zed

Hindus have urged various retailers worldwide, including Wal-Mart, not to carry DVD of Hollywood movie "The Love Guru" when it is released next month, because it lampoons Hinduism.

Advancing the cause spearheaded by well-known Indo-American leader Rajan Zed; Bhavna Shinde, representing Hindu Janjagruti Samiti and Sanatan Sanstha, in a communiqué to several retailers and others, said, "'The Love Guru', starring Mike Myers, ridicules Hinduism, its concepts and terminology. Hindu groups and other religious people the world over, led by acclaimed Hindu leader Rajan Zed have been protesting it since March. They have later, boycotted this movie, resulting in its blatant failure at the box office. This film has hurt the feelings of the Hindu community worldwide…we request you to understand the pain of worldwide Hindus and other spiritual people. We request you to refuse to handle/sell/rent the DVDs of 'The Love Guru'."

Besides Wal-Mart, other organizations contacted by Hindus include Amazon.com, Netflix, Blockbuster, Best Buys, Circuit City, Hollywood Video, Barnes & Noble, National Entertainment Buyers Group, Tesco UK, EzyDVD (Australia), Zip (Canada), Entertainment Merchants Association, Reliance (India), etc.

Amazon.com gives the release date of 86-minute "The Love Guru" DVD as September 16, 2008, where it is available for pre-order at a reduced price of $18.99 (listed price $34.99), and where a customer review points out: "…will most certainly go down in history [as one of the worst movies ever made"

Meanwhile, according to reports, "The Love Guru" is yet to be submitted for certification in India. Hindu groups assert that it appears to violate various "guidelines for certification" of Central Board of Film Certification of India, the body responsible for certifying films suitable for public exhibition in the country. It opened in USA and Canada on June 20 and many non-Hindu groups have also supported the protesting Hindus against this film.

Rajan Zed, who is president of Universal Society of Hinduism, has stated that cinema is a forceful medium and it can create stereotypes in the minds of some audiences. So it should handle faith related subjects very carefully.

To see objectional pictures in 'The Love Guru', Click Here

Updates

Bangalore : HJS' campaign against Love Guru gains Momentum

August 24, 2008

Shravan Krushna Ashtami

By Staff Reporter

Smt. Purnima Prabhu explaining Love Guru campaign to Shri. Rajnath Singh, BJP President
Smt. Purnima Prabhu explaining Love Guru campaign to Shri. Rajnath Singh, BJP President

Bangalore (Karnataka): Many BJP Activists, MLAs , MLCs, MPs joined the signature campaign against the release of the Anti –Hindu film Love Guru  scheduled to be released on Teachers Day the 5th of September in India.The campaign was held during the State level Activists meet of BJP held at The Woodlands Hotel in Bangalore on 19 August 2008.

Under the coordination of Shri. Aravind baliga, HJS volunteers  got 201 signatures  of BJP active workers, 12 MLA/MLC, 1 MP & 1 Minister, with everybody eagerly signing the signature sheet. Many of them said that they would pursue the matter with relevant authorities on a priority basis.

Shri. Yogish Bhat, Shri. C.T. Ravi were among the first to sign the petition. Files Explaining the campaign were also given to BJP President Shri. Rajnath Singh, CM of Karnataka Shri. Yediurappa and MP and former union Minister Shri. Anantkumar,  which they accepted with great interest .

Similar files were also given to Ministers Shri. Suresh Kumar, Kum. Shobha Karandlaje, Shri. Aravind Limbavali, Shri. Hartal Halappa, Shri. Krishnaiah Setty with a request to ban the movie.
Kum. Shobha Karandlaje said that they would also coordinate with Gujarat Govt. to ban this movie.

Muzarai Minister Shri. Krishnaiah Setty after signing the petition congratulated HJS for the dispay of  Flex in various temples, giving useful information about Dharmashikshan. He added that there was a great need for this as most of  present generation are having very little knowledge on these issues.

HJS volunteers took this opportunity to explain HJS campaign against the Malpractices
during the public celebration of the Ganapati Festival, and pamphlets and video CDs were also distributed educating about this campaign, which was very well received by the BJP Activists.

Earlier on 16th, as part of the ‘The Love Guru’ and Ganeshotsav Campaign, Shri. Aravind Baliga of HJS met Shri Santosh, Pradhan Karyadarshi of State BJP and explained to him about this campaign. He requested Shri. Santosh to help in getting details of the MLAs and ministers to enable HJS to contact them. Spontaneously Shri Santosh invited HJS volunteers to the state level meeting on 19th in Hotel Woodlands at Richmond Road Bangalore so that most of the ministers and MLAs could be met without any extra effort in this divine cause.

Highlights

1. ACP Shri Gochinkatti of Ulsoor gate police station remarked that may be because of HJS efforts, Commissioner of Bangalore City is thinking of having one Ganapati celebration in one area.

2. Shri. Santosh State Pradhan Karyadarshi of BJP on his own and at  very short notice got 50 VCD of Adarsh Ganeshotsav  copied, for free distribution. He also volunteered to get more copies in case of requirement.  When asked as to where the Dharma Shikshan Flex (16 numbers) can be displayed he said “The whole place is yours. Kindly put where ever maximum people can see it.”

3. The Programme started with Vande Mataram and there were many Patriotic songs sung by volunteers in between the programme.

Shri. C.T. Ravi, MLA signing in Protest campaign
Shri. C.T. Ravi, MLA signing in Protest campaign
Smt. Sarala Muniraju explaining about Ganesh Festival to CM of Karnataka Shri. Yediyurappa
Smt. Sarala Muniraju explaining about Ganesh Festival to CM of Karnataka Shri. Yediyurappa

HJS Bangalore launches protest against Love Guru

August 18, 2008

Shravan Krushna Dwitiya

By Staff Reporter

Mrs. Pournima Prabhu, HJS with Smt. Jayamala, President, KFCC
Mrs. Pournima Prabhu, HJS with Smt. Jayamala, President, KFCC

Bangalore (Karnataka): Mrs. Purnima Prabhu Spokes person HJS Bangalore alongwith members Shri. Jayanth, Shri. N Kamath and Shri. Aravinda Baliga met the President of Karnataka Film chamber of commerce Smt. Jayamala and informed her about the movie Love guru expected to be released in September. Mrs Prabhu after telling about the activities of HJS told that the movie has intentionally depicted the Guru Shishya parampara in poor light to hurt the feelings of crores of hindus. The movie will also misguide the future generation about spiritual practice which in turn will destroy the foundation of our society she added. Shri. Jayanth mentioned that by such acts the tolerance of hindus is being tested  and no society can keep silent for long.

Smt. Jayamala told that the committee would view the clippings of the movie. If any thing derogatory was found about our culture and land necessary action would be initiated she added.

Highlights

Shri.Vinay city copy editor of 'Vijay Karnataka', who was at the office at the same time collected full details and our website hindujagruti.org. He has given good coverage of the issue and it has appeared in the Hubli edition on 15/08/08.

‘Hindu Forum of Britain’s soft stand against ‘the Love Guru’

August 12, 2008

Shravan Shuddha Ekadashi

Washington: 'Paramount Pictures’, distributors of anti-Hindu film ‘the Love Guru’ had invited members of ‘Hindu Forum of Britain (HFB)’ to watch the film. Shri. Ramesh Kalidai, general secretary of HFB did not find anything objectionable in the film. According to him, there is only humour in the film. (Hindus staying in Britain do not even realize denigration of Hindu Dharma taking place through various ways whereas followers of other paths, would have been enraged to see such mockery of objects of their worship. Unfortunately, when those, born as Hindus, have no knowledge of matters related to their Dharma, how can Hindus in Britain will have such knowledge- Editor)? Shri. Kalidai said that the film should be viewed just as a comedy film (In case somebody makes mockery of his parents, will Shri. Ramesh Kalidai, take the matter so lightly? – Editor) Those who are sensitive to the topic may take objection like few Hindus did from USA.

Shri. Kalidai informed that he did not like a few jokes from the movie; but Hindus must learn to laugh at themselves. (As if Hindus are always serious by nature. There are numerous subjects in the world on which one can laugh; but why to use objects of worship of Hindus – Editor) He said, “If the film is opposed all over the world, it will get unwanted publicity. (Shri. Kalidai need not worry about that; he should just say what he can do to stop denigration of Dharma – Editor) In Bangla Desh, human rights of Hindus are violated which is also objectionable. Instead of objecting to few objectionable jokes, it would be better to take some action in respect of Hindus in Bangla Desh as that would at least save life of few Hindus” (Shri. Ramesh Kalidai should tell what action he has initiated for protection of Hindus in Bangla Desh – Editor)

Little response to ‘the Love Guru’ in Britain !

Agitation against film ‘the Love Guru’ is going on since the month of March under leadership of Shri. Rajan Zed, the President of ‘Universal Society of Hinduism’ in USA as the film makes mockery of ‘Guru-Disciple’ tradition revered in Hindu Dharma. As a part of this agitation, an appeal was made to boycott the movie released in Britain on 1st August. Compared to other films, however, this movie received a very lukewarm response.

Shri. Rajan Zed has congratulated Hindus from Britain for extending little response to the said film and for protecting identity of Hindu Dharma. Even in India, opposition is generated against the film through Hindu Organizations like ‘Hindu Alliance of India’, ‘Sree Ramayana Pracharini Sabha’, ‘India Heritage Panel’ and ‘Hindu Janajagruti Samiti (HJS)’. HJS and a Hindu group from Canada have raised their voice against the film all over the world. Signature campaign started by them has already crossed 7000 participants.

Source: 'Daily Sanatan Prabhat'

"The Love Guru" yet to be submitted for certification in India

August 08, 2008

Shravan Shuddha Shashthi

While Hollywood movie "The Love Guru" has been released in many countries and has been classified/rated in many others with set dates for release, it is reportedly yet to be submitted for certification in India.

Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) is the body responsible for certifying films suitable for public exhibition in India, where the main character of the movie Guru Pitka was shown to be raised in an ashram. According to Mr. Bansode, CBFC Superintendent, "The Love Guru" has not been submitted yet and once a movie is submitted, it usually takes about one or two weeks to finalize it. "The Love Guru" opened in USA and Canada on June 20.

According to acclaimed Hindu leader Rajan Zed, this movie appears to violate various CBFC "guidelines for certification". He listed the apparently challenged CBFC guidelines in this movie as: " such dual meaning words as obviously cater to baser instincts are not allowed"; "visuals or words contemptuous of racial, religious or other groups are not presented"; "human sensibilities are not offended by vulgarity, obscenity or depravity".

Zed, who is the president of Universal Society of Hinduism, stresses that the Cinematograph Act lays down that a film has to be certified keeping "morality" in mind, besides other things. CBFC objectives of film certification are given as… "the medium of film remains responsible and sensitive to the values and standards of society", "the medium of film provides clean and healthy entertainment"…

India has about 13,000 cinema halls and according to CBFC website, "Every three months an audience as large as India's entire population (about 1.13 billion) flock to the cinema halls."

Rajan Zed, well known Indo-American leader, spearheaded the protest movement against "The Love Guru" beginning in March saying it appears to be lampooning Hinduism, and has received support from various Hindu and non-Hindu organizations and leaders.

Boycott call of "Love Guru" leads to its box office failure

Acclaimed Hindu and Indo-American leader, Rajan Zed, today announced that the UK-wide boycott call of Hindus against Hollywood movie “The Love Guru” for lampooning Hinduism has been very effective, contributing to its blunt failure at the box office.

Zed, who is the president of Universal Society of Hinduism and who spearheaded the protest movement against the movie starting in March, stated that although various issues contributed to its failure, but the boycott was one of the major factors.

According to reports, many Hindus as well as non-Hindus have been shunning this movie in UK, where it was released on August 1.
“The Love Guru” debuted at number 3 at the UK box office on its August 1 release, taking just about 499 thousand pounds on its opening weekend.

Chris Carter’s sci-fi “The X Files: I Want to Believe” was released the same weekend and took about 887 thousand pounds for the same time in UK.

Even the animation movie “Space Chimps”, also released on August 1, came out higher at box office than “The Love Guru”.

Rajan Zed thanked the UK filmgoers for having a feel for the pain of Hindu brothers-sisters by rebuffing “The Love Guru”.

It will reportedly face boycotts in various countries where it will be released in the near future. Protests are reportedly being planned in India on its release there by various organizations including Hindu Alliance of India, Shri Ramayan Pracharini Sabha and India Heritage Panel.

Hindu Janajagruti Samiti has launched a worldwide protest drive. A Canadian Hindu group was also promoting the worldwide boycott. A prominent Jewish Rabbi, Elizabeth W. Beyer of Nevada (USA), has also called for boycott of “The Love Guru” because it “lampoons Hinduism, mocks Ashram life and Hindu philosophy.”

Rajan Zed argued that this movie was pure and blatant ridiculing of Hinduism. Meanwhile, signature campaign launched by Hindu groups against “The Love Guru” has crossed the 7,000 mark.

Various Hindu, Catholic, Presbyterian, Jewish, Native American, Methodist, Buddhist, youth, film, spiritual orreligious, music, yoga and civil rights leaders have already issued statements in support of this cause espoused by Zed. Zed lauded various non-Hindu groups for their support gestures.

Nevada Clergy Association has been supportive to the cause and has said, “Hollywood should be more conscious while handling faith related subjects.”

Daisy Khan, Executive Director of American Society for Muslim Advancement, said, “I stand with many of my Hindu brothers and sisters. I will not watch this movie.”

Dwight N. Hopkins, Professor of Theology at the University of Chicago Divinity School, has said about the movie, “It exhibits the bodacious, repulsive, iconoclastic, sophomoric, insulting, stereotyping, and illogicality.”

United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has declared “The Love Guru” “morally offensive” and slapped it with its highest rating “O”.

“Preview Online”, which calls itself  “informative tool for Christian parents and moviegoers”, gave it Morality Rating of  -4 (Dangerous), which is lowest of five categories, highest being +4.

“Christian Spotlight on Entertainment” gave it a Moral Rating of “Very Offensive”. Crosswalk, a Christ-centered corporation, wrote in the movie review, “slew of seriously wince-inducing jabs at India’s culture (horrible, even when meant in fun).”

Source: Newspost Online

Hindus demand apology for Mike Myers flick

August 5, 2008

Shravan Shuddha Trutiya

The Love Guru was a flop at the cinema, but Mike Myers is in even more trouble for his goofy portrayal of a comical spiritual leader.

American Hindu leaders want Myers - the star of three Austin Powers movies - to apologise for "lampooning Hinduism" in his recent box office failure.

In The Love Guru, Myers plays Guru Maurice Pitka, a mystic who helps a star hockey player deal with stress caused by his wife.

The film also stars Jessica Alba and Justin Timberlake.

Hindu leader Rajan Zed, the president of the Universal Society of Hinduism, released a statement saying an apology from Myers would "heal the wounds somewhat of a disturbed Hindu populace".

"Ksama, or forgiveness, is one of the main virtues of Hindu ethics. If Mike Myers offers a genuine public apology, Hindus would not only absolve him but might also pray for his success in future movies."

Contact Music reported Zed launched a protest movement against the film before its release, urging all religious groups to boycott the film.

He claims the failure of the film is largely down to his protest campaign.

In a review, the New York Times said the film was "antifunny".

"(It's) an experience that makes you wonder if you will ever laugh again."

The film grossed just US$30 million at the US and Canadian box office. It cost US$62 million to make.

Source: www.stuff.co.nz

Australia-wide boycott call of "The Love Guru" proved effective

August 4, 2008

Shravan Shuddha Trutiya

By Rajan Zed

The Australia-wide boycott call of Hindus against Hollywood movie "The Love Guru" for lampooning Hinduism has been very effective, contributing to its blunt failure at the box office, Rajan Zed, Hindu leader, announced today.

Zed, who is the president of Universal Society of Hinduism and who spearheaded the protest movement against "The Love Guru" starting in March, stated that although various issues contributed to its failure, but the boycott was one of the major factors. According to reports, many Hindus as well as non-Hindus have been shunning this movie in Australia, where it was released on July 10.

"The Love Guru" debuted at number four at the Australia box office on its July 10 release, taking just about 1.5 million Australian dollars on its opening week. The film has taken a gross total of just about $2.2 million in Australia the three weeks since its release. Phyllida Lloyd's comedy musical "Mama Mia!" was released the same weekend and has so far taken a gross total of about $18.5 million for the same time in Australia.

Rajan Zed thanked the Australian filmgoers for having a feel for the pain of Hindu brothers-sisters by rebuffing "The Love Guru".

It will reportedly face boycotts in various countries where it will be released in the near future. Protests are reportedly being planned in India on its release there by various organizations including Hindu Alliance of India, Shri Ramayan Pracharini Sabha, India Heritage Panel, etc. Hindu Janajagruti Samiti has launched a worldwide protest drive. A Canadian Hindu group is also promoting the worldwide boycott. A prominent Jewish Rabbi, Elizabeth W. Beyer of Nevada (USA), has also called for boycott of "The Love Guru" because it "…lampoons Hinduism, mocks Ashram life and Hindu philosophy…"

Rajan Zed argued that this movie was pure and blatant ridiculing of Hinduism, the oldest and third largest religion of the world with about one billion followers and a rich philosophical thought. No faith, larger or smaller, should be ridiculed at. Today it was Hinduism, tomorrow Hollywood might attempt to denigrate another religion/denomination, he said while urging other people of faith (besides Hindus) also to boycott the movie.

Meanwhile, signature campaign launched by Hindu groups against "The Love Guru" has crossed the 6,900 mark. Various Hindu, Catholic, Presbyterian, Jewish, Native American, Methodist, Buddhist, youth, film, spiritual/religious, music, yoga, civil rights, etc., leaders have already issued statements in support of this cause espoused by Rajan Zed.

Zed lauded various non-Hindu groups for their support gestures. Nevada Clergy Association has been supportive to the cause and has said, "Hollywood should be more conscious while handling faith related subjects." Daisy Khan, Executive Director of American Society for Muslim Advancement, commented, "I stand with many of my Hindu brothers and sisters. I will not watch this movie." Dwight N. Hopkins, Professor of Theology at the University of Chicago Divinity School, has said about the movie, "It exhibits the bodacious, repulsive, iconoclastic, sophomoric, insulting, stereotyping, and illogicality…"

United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has declared "The Love Guru" "morally offensive" and slapped it with its highest rating "O". "Preview Online", which calls itself "informative tool for Christian parents and moviegoers", gave it Morality Rating of –4 (Dangerous), which is lowest of five categories, highest being +4. "Christian Spotlight on Entertainment" gave it a Moral Rating of "Very Offensive". Crosswalk, a Christ-centered corporation, wrote in the movie review, "…slew of seriously wince-inducing jabs at India's culture (horrible, even when meant in fun)…"

Hindus unhappy over Swedish rating of "The Love Guru"

July 30, 2008

Ashadh Krushna Trayodashi

Hindus have criticized Statens biografbyrå (SBB) of Sweden for giving Hollywood movie "The Love Guru" a "Fran 7 ar" (non-harming for children over seven years) classification, while they say it deserved the highest "15 ar" (under 15 not admitted) classification.

Rajan Zed, acclaimed Hindu leader, stresses that by giving "The Love Guru" a "7 ar" rating, SBB is leading the highly impressionable Swedish children between seven to 15 years of age to grow-up with a distorted view of Hinduism.

Zed also censured the regulation that public cannot appeal the SBB classification decisions which, he said, was unfitting to the spirit of open country like Sweden. According to Erik Wallander, SBB Director, "The law does not allow us to consider anything but the potential psychological harm a film may cause children when we classify films for public showing… the public can not appeal our decisions."

Meanwhile Zed, supported by some other organizations/leaders, has given Sweden-wide boycott call against "The Love Guru" (being released on August 13) by Hindus and other religious Swedes because it lampoons Hinduism and Hindu concepts and uses Hindu terms frivolously.

Rajan Zed is hopeful of the boycott success and adds that many Hindus and others who feel their pain will refrain from going to this movie in Sweden. Box office receipts will prove it, he says.

Zed, who is president of the Universal Society of Hinduism, and who launched campaign against this movie starting in March, urging other people of faith (besides Hindus) also to boycott the movie, says, "Today it is Hinduism, tomorrow Hollywood might attempt to denigrate another religion/denomination."

A prominent Jewish Rabbi, Elizabeth W. Beyer of Nevada (USA), has also called for boycott of "The Love Guru" because it "…lampoons Hinduism, mocks Ashram life and Hindu philosophy…"

The antics of Guru Pitka of "The Love Guru" are a mockery of the esteemed institution of guru, who is a highly revered spiritual teacher/master/preceptor in Hinduism, Zed stresses.

Hinduism is the oldest and third largest religion of the world with about one billion followers and a rich philosophical thought and it should not be taken lightly. No faith, larger or smaller, should be ridiculed at, Rajan Zed says.

Meanwhile, signature campaign launched by Hindu groups against "The Love Guru" has crossed the 6,900 mark.

Statens biografbyrå is the government film censorship body of Sweden launched in 1911, which goes by Examination and Control of Films and Videograms Act issued in 1990.

Source: Los Angeles Chronicle

The Hindu Forum of Britain: Ignore "The Love Guru"

July 29, 2008

Ashadh Krushna Dwadashi

UK: The Hindu Forum of Britain was invited to a private viewing of the controversial movie 'Love Guru' by Paramount . HFB feels that while the movie is full of crude humour that often make fun of some Hindu practices, it is not necessarily offensive.

Love Guru is about an American who grows up in an Indian ashram. He becomes Guru Pitka and travels to America to save an ice-hockey team from defeat. Their star player cannot play on the rink after his wife leaves him. The Guru's ambition is to become as famous as Deepak Chopra. He believes that if he brings the hockey player and his wife together and helps the hockey team win a tournament, he could appear on the Oprah Winfrey show and become as famous as Deepak Chopra.

The movie is perhaps an ant-thesis of everything that a Guru should really stand for. Guru Pitka instigates a bar fight, repeatedly narrates jokes with sexual themes, performs contortions that mock yogic poses, wears female jewellery, orders alligator soup (make it snappy!), induces elephant copulation in front of a packed football stadium, lives in a lavish ashram full of scantily clad maids, routinely performs Bollywood duos and generally appears as a childish and immature buffoon.

"It's crude, it's rude, and it's lewd. And it's about a crude, lewd and rude dude," commented Ramesh Kallidai, secretary general of the Hindu Forum of Britain, after seeing the preview of the movie. "But is the 'Love Guru' really all that offensive? Well, that depends on how sensitive and touchy-feely you are. Some American Hindus certainly seem to think it violates there faith. I found the movie full of cheap humour and double-edged vulgarity, but nothing to beat ourselves about. The movie certainly had some jokes on Hinduism I did not enjoy – but surely Hindus must learn to laugh at themselves, once in a while."

The Hindu Forum of Britain feels that Love Guru is just a cheap comedy that uses profanity to tickle people, but does not do a good job at it.

"The worldwide protests will only succeed in making the film more prominent than it really deserves. But after all the tom-foolery, the movie does conclude with a resounding message – that material comforts or fame are not the only things that matter," said Ramesh Kallidai. "I feel that there may be more important things for the world-wide Hindu community to protest about rather than the Love Guru. Has anyone not heard of human rights abuse against minority faith communities in Bangladesh ? Perhaps saving a few lives there might deserve more attention than a cheap comedy that only succeeds in raising a few undeserved laughs."

Source: Webnewswire

HJS files complaint against illegal sale of DVD's of "The Love Guru"

July 27, 2008

Ashadh Krushna Navami/Dashami

By Staff Reporter

Panaji (Goa): DVD’s of the movie ‘The Love Guru’ which denigrates the Guru-Disciple relationship are being sold at the Mapusa market illegally. The Hindu Janajagruti Samiti (HJS) has filed a complaint with the Mapusa Police Station in this regard and demanded strict action against those involved.

Cover of Illegal DVD of The Love Guru
Cover of Illegal DVD of The Love Guru

The complaint states that the said controversial movie has hurt the sentiments of Hindus not only in India but worldwide. The HJS has submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister of the State demanding a ban on the screening of this movie. Thus, it is an offence to illegally distribute the DVD’s of the said movie since the movie is scheduled to be screened in India in September 2008 and the government is yet to take a decision in this regard. The complaint further states that strict action be taken to stop the sale of the abovementioned DVD’s all over Goa.

Hindus hopeful of success of The Love Guru boycott in UK

July 26, 2008

Ashadh Krushna Ashtami

By Rajan Zed

Hindus are hopeful that boycott call given against Hollywood movie "The Love Guru" in United Kingdom (UK) will be successful.
 
Rajan Zed, acclaimed Hindu leader, seems confident that many Hindus and others who feel their pain will refrain from going to this movie in UK. Box office receipts will prove it, he adds. It is being released in UK on Friday, August one.
 
Zed, supported by some other organizations/leaders, has given this UK-wide boycott call by Hindus and other religious Brits because "The Love Guru" lampoons Hinduism and Hindu concepts and uses Hindu terms frivolously.
 
Zed, who is president of the Universal Society of Hinduism, and who launched campaign against this movie starting in March, urging other people of faith (besides Hindus) also to boycott the movie, says, "Today it is Hinduism, tomorrow Hollywood might attempt to denigrate another religion/denomination."
 
He has also c riticized British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) for giving it "12A" (suitable for 12 years and over) classification, when he says it deserved the highest "18" (suitable only for adults) classification. Although BBFC claims  "We help to protect vulnerable viewers and society from the effects of viewing potentially harmful or unsuitable content", but by giving "The Love Guru" a "12A" rating, it is leading the highly impressionable British children between 12 to 18 years to grow-up with a distorted view of Hinduism, Zed stresses.
 
A prominent Jewish Rabbi, Elizabeth W. Beyer of Nevada (USA), has also called for boycott of "The Love Guru" because it "…lampoons Hinduism, mocks Ashram life and Hindu philosophy…" 
 
The antics of Guru Pitka of "The Love Guru" are a mockery of the esteemed institution of guru, who is a highly revered spiritual teacher/master/preceptor in Hinduism, Zed stresses.
 
Hinduism is the oldest and third largest religion of the world with about one billion followers and a rich philosophical thought and it should not be taken lightly. No faith, larger or smaller, should be ridiculed at, Rajan Zed says.
 
Meanwhile, signature campaign launched by Hindu groups against "The Love Guru" has crossed the 6,900 mark.

Ireland-wide boycott call against "The Love Guru" by Hindus

July 23, 2008

Ashadh Krushna Panchami

Ireland: Rajan Zed, acclaimed Hindu leader, supported by some other organisations and leaders, has given an Ireland-wide boycott call against Hollywood movie 'The Love Guru' by Hindus and other religious Irish because it lampoons Hinduism and Hindu concepts and uses Hindu terms frivolously.

Zed, who is the president of the Universal Society of Hinduism, and who launched campaign against this movie starting in March, urging other people of faith (besides Hindus) also to boycott the movie, said, "Today it is Hinduism, tomorrow Hollywood might attempt to denigrate another religion/denomination."

He has also criticised Irish Film Censor’s Office (IFCO) for giving it '15A' (suitable for 15 and upwards) classification, when he said that it deserved the highest '18' (over 18) classification. Although IFCO claimed, "We have a duty to protect children and young persons from harm," but by giving 'The Love Guru' a '15A' rating, it is leading the highly impressionable Irish children between 15 to 18 years to grow-up with a distorted view of Hinduism, Zed added.

A prominent Jewish Rabbi, Elizabeth W Beyer of Nevada (America), has also called for boycott of 'The Love Guru' because it '…lampoons Hinduism, mocks Ashram life and Hindu philosophy….'

The antics of Guru Pitka of 'The Love Guru' are a mockery of the esteemed institution of guru, who is a highly revered spiritual teacher/master/preceptor in Hinduism and who helps remove the ignorance of the seeker and who leads one from darkness to light. The guru-sishya (teacher-disciple) relationship lies at the heart of traditional Hinduism. Guru is often allied with the divine. Guru bestows spiritual knowledge totally free from selfish objectives, Zed stressed.

On the other hand, guru in 'The Love Guru' instigates a bar fight, repeatedly narrates penis jokes, mocks yoga (one of the six orthodox schools of Hindu philosophy), wears female jewelry, mocks the concept of third eye, makes disciples drink tea passed through his nose, orders alligator soup, induces elephant copulation in front of the crowd, introduces himself as 'His Holiness', lives in a lavish ashram staffed with scantily clad maids, and whose goal in life seems to appear on Oprah Winfrey show, Zed said.

When did Hindu gurus become available 'for hire'? When and who started rating them? When did sishyas (disciples) started joining ashram for the sole purpose to make girls like them? Which Hindu ashram organises fights of disciples with mops soaked in guru’s urine? Which guru urinates in the midst of disciples? Rajan Zed asked all these while expressing concern about depictions in the movie.

"Hinduism is the oldest and third largest religion of the world with about one billion followers and a rich philosophical thought and it should not be taken lightly. No faith, larger or smaller, should be ridiculed at," Zed said.

Meanwhile, signature campaign launched by Hindu groups against 'The Love Guru' has crossed the 6,700 mark.

IFCO is a statutory body established in 1923 and responsible for certifying cinema films distributed in Ireland. 'The Love Guru' (88 minutes), a comedy starring Mike Myers (of Austin Powers fame), opened on June 20 in America and Canada and will be released in Ireland on August 1.


France Hindus call for nation-wide boycott of "The Love Guru"

July 19, 2008

Ashadh Krushna Pratipada

Nevada (USA): Hindus are upset over France Board of Film Classification for reportedly giving Hollywood movie "The Love Guru" a "U" (valid for all audiences) classification and have stressed that it deserved highest "-18" (unsuitable for children under 18) rating.
 
Rajan Zed, acclaimed Hindu leader, has stated that they did not want the next generation of France, which is passing through highly impressionable age of under-18, growing up with a distorted view of Hinduism.
 
Meanwhile, Zed, who is president of the Universal Society of Hinduism, supported by some other organizations/leaders, has given a France-wide boycott call against "The Love Guru" by Hindus and other religious French stressing it lampoons Hinduism and Hindu concepts and uses Hindu terms frivolously.
 
Zed, who is president of the Universal Society of Hinduism, and who launched campaign against this movie starting in March, urging other people of faith (besides Hindus) also to boycott the movie, says, "Today it is Hinduism, tomorrow Hollywood might attempt to denigrate another religion/denomination."
 
A prominent Jewish Rabbi, Elizabeth W. Beyer of Nevada (USA), has also called for boycott of "The Love Guru" because it "…lampoons Hinduism, mocks Ashram life and Hindu philosophy…" 
 
The antics of Guru Pitka of "The Love Guru" are a mockery of the esteemed institution of guru, who is a highly revered spiritual teacher/master/preceptor in Hinduism and who helps remove the ignorance of the seeker and who leads one from darkness to light. The guru-sishya (teacher-disciple) relationship lies at the heart of traditional Hinduism. Guru is often allied with the divine. Guru bestows spiritual knowledge totally free from selfish objectives, Zed stresses.
 
On the other hand, guru in "The Love Guru" instigates a bar fight, repeatedly narrates penis jokes, mocks yoga (one of the six orthodox schools of Hindu philosophy), wears female jewelry, mocks the concept of third eye, makes disciples drink tea passed through his nose, orders alligator soup, induces elephant copulation in front of the crowd, introduces himself as "His Holiness", lives in a lavish ashram staffed with scantily clad maids, and whose goal in life seems to appear on Oprah Winfrey show, Zed says.
 
When did Hindu gurus become available "for hire"? When and who started rating them? When did sishyas (disciples) started joining ashram for the sole purpose to make girls like them? Which Hindu ashram organizes fights of disciples with mops soaked in guru's urine? Which guru urinates in the midst of disciples? Rajan Zed asks while expressing concern about depictions in the movie.
 
Hinduism is the oldest and third largest religion of the world with about one billion followers and a rich philosophical thought and it should not be taken lightly. No faith, larger or smaller, should be ridiculed at, Zed says.
 
Meanwhile, signature campaign launched by Hindu groups against "The Love Guru" has crossed the 6,800 mark.
 
 "The Love Guru" (88 minutes), a comedy starring Mike Myers (of Austin Powers fame), opened June 20 in USA and Canada and will be reportedly released in France on September 17.
 
Cinema was born on December 28, 1895, in a basement in Paris where Lumiere brothers showed such scenes as a train pulling into the railway station to a paying assemblage of 33. France has given us great films like La Regle du Jeu, Jules et Jim, La Grande Illusion, etc.

Source: www.punjabnewsline.com

Sweden Hindus call for boycott of "The Love Guru"

July 18, 2008

Ashadh Pournima
By Rajan Zed

Rajan Zed, acclaimed Hindu leader, supported by some other organizations/leaders, has given a Sweden-wide boycott call against Hollywood movie "The Love Guru" by Hindus and other religious Swedes because it lampoons Hinduism and Hindu concepts and uses Hindu terms frivolously.

Zed, who is president of the Universal Society of Hinduism, and who launched campaign against this movie starting in March, urging other people of faith (besides Hindus) also to boycott the movie, says, "Today it is Hinduism, tomorrow Hollywood might attempt to denigrate another religion/denomination."

He has also exhorted Statens biografyra (SBB), film censorship body of Sweden, to classify "The Love Guru" under highest rating. We do not want Swedish children and teenagers, who are passing through highly impressionable period of their lives, to grow-up with a distorted view of Hinduism, Zed adds.

A prominent Jewish Rabbi, Elizabeth W. Beyer of Nevada (USA), has also called for boycott of "The Love Guru" because it "…lampoons Hinduism, mocks Ashram life and Hindu philosophy…" 

The antics of Guru Pitka of "The Love Guru" are a mockery of the esteemed institution of guru, who is a highly revered spiritual teacher/master/preceptor in Hinduism and who helps remove the ignorance of the seeker and who leads one from darkness to light. The guru-sishya (teacher-disciple) relationship lies at the heart of traditional Hinduism. Guru is often allied with the divine. Guru bestows spiritual knowledge totally free from selfish objectives, Zed stresses.

On the other hand, guru in "The Love Guru" instigates a bar fight, repeatedly narrates penis jokes, mocks yoga (one of the six orthodox schools of Hindu philosophy), wears female jewelry, mocks the concept of third eye, makes disciples drink tea passed through his nose, orders alligator soup, induces elephant copulation in front of the crowd, introduces himself as "His Holiness", lives in a lavish ashram staffed with scantily clad maids, and whose goal in life seems to appear on Oprah Winfrey show, Zed says.

When did Hindu gurus become available "for hire"? When and who started rating them? When did sishyas (disciples) started joining ashram for the sole purpose to make girls like them? Which Hindu ashram organizes fights of disciples with mops soaked in guru's urine? Which guru urinates in the midst of disciples? Rajan Zed asks while expressing concern about depictions in the movie.

Hinduism is the oldest and third largest religion of the world with about one billion followers and a rich philosophical thought and it should not be taken lightly. No faith, larger or smaller, should be ridiculed at, Zed says.

Meanwhile, signature campaign launched by Hindu groups against "The Love Guru" has crossed the 6,800 mark.

 "The Love Guru" (88 minutes), a comedy starring Mike Myers (of Austin Powers fame), opened June 20 in USA and Canada and will be reportedly released in Sweden on August 13.

Besides Vikings and Nobel Prize, Sweden has given us some of the greatest films of the world, like "The Seventh Seal", "Wild Strawberries", etc.

HJS demands to CBFC to ban 'The Love Guru' defaming Hinduism

July 16, 2008

Ashadh Shuddha Trayodashi

By Staff Reporter

Mumbai: A film titled ‘Love-Guru’ is being released all over the world. In this film, the sacred relationship between Guru and disciple has been ridiculed. Hindu Janajagruti Samiti (HJS) has therefore, demanded vide protest letter that the Central Board of  Film Certification, Government of India should not grant permission to this film for its release in India.   
                                                                                                                                                       The Samiti had written letter on 21st May to the  Board, mentioning that the ‘Guru-Disciple’ tradition is the greatest endowment that Hindu culture has presented to the world. This tradition has been ridiculed in this film. Guru-Disciple is an extra-ordinary relationship that depicts the highest principles and ethics. On the auspicious day of ‘Gurupournima’, faith that a student has in his Guru, is strengthened and reinforced; but this film makes a mockery of this faith. There is so much of denigration even in the short film shown on its website advertising the film that one cannot imagine how severe it must be in the main film. ‘Guru-disciple’ relationship is considered ideal and revered in all religions but this film derides this relation.     
                                                                                                                Thereafter, on an enquiry Mr.Vinayak Azaad, Regional Officer of the Board had written letter dated 4th June to Shri.Shivaji Vatkar ,Mubai Region Coordinator of Samiti that they have not received application for certification of this film.  However it is understood from website-news that film will be released in Asia region during July-October and on 5th September in India. Accordingly Samiti has again written a protest letter to the Board informing news about protests and opposition throughout world, protest campaign on Samiti’s website, serious effects of this film  and particularly more important in view of ensuing Gurupournima  being celebrated by millions of disciples throughout world.

UK Hindus call for boycott of "The Love Guru"

July 14, 2008

Ashadh Shuddha Ekadashi

Press Release

Rajan Zed, acclaimed Hindu leader, supported by some other organizations/leaders, has given a United Kingdom (UK)-wide boycott call for Hollywood movie "The Love Guru" by Hindus and other religious Brits because it lampoons Hinduism and Hindu concepts and uses Hindu terms frivolously.

Zed, who is president of the Universal Society of Hinduism, and who launched campaign against this movie starting in March, urging other people of faith (besides Hindus) also to boycott the movie, says, "Today it is Hinduism, tomorrow Hollywood might attempt to denigrate another religion/denomination."

He has also criticized British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) for giving it "12A" (suitable for 12 years and over) classification, when he says it deserved the highest "18" (suitable only for adults) classification. Although BBFC claims "We help to protect vulnerable viewers and society from the effects of viewing potentially harmful or unsuitable content", but by giving "The Love Guru" a "12A" rating, it is leading the highly impressionable British children between 12 to 18 years to grow-up with a distorted view of Hinduism, Zed adds.

A prominent Jewish Rabbi, Elizabeth W. Beyer of Nevada (USA), has also called for boycott of "The Love Guru" because it "…lampoons Hinduism, mocks Ashram life and Hindu philosophy…"

The antics of Guru Pitka of "The Love Guru" are a mockery of the esteemed institution of guru, who is a highly revered spiritual teacher/master/preceptor in Hinduism and who helps remove the ignorance of the seeker and who leads one from darkness to light. The guru-sishya (teacher-disciple) relationship lies at the heart of traditional Hinduism. Guru is often allied with the divine. Guru bestows spiritual knowledge totally free from selfish objectives, Zed stresses.

On the other hand, guru in "The Love Guru" instigates a bar fight, repeatedly narrates penis jokes, mocks yoga (one of the six orthodox schools of Hindu philosophy), wears female jewelry, mocks the concept of third eye, makes disciples drink tea passed through his nose, orders alligator soup, induces elephant copulation in front of the crowd, introduces himself as "His Holiness", lives in a lavish ashram staffed with scantily clad maids, and whose goal in life seems to appear on Oprah Winfrey show, Zed says.

When did Hindu gurus become available "for hire"? When and who started rating them? When did shishyas (disciples) started joining ashram for the sole purpose to make girls like them? Which Hindu ashram organizes fights of disciples with mops soaked in guru´s urine? Which guru urinates in the midst of disciples? Rajan Zed asks while expressing concern about depictions in the movie.

Hinduism is the oldest and third largest religion of the world with about one billion followers and a rich philosophical thought and it should not be taken lightly. No faith, larger or smaller, should be ridiculed at, Zed says.

Meanwhile, signature campaign launched by Hindu groups against "The Love Guru" has crossed the 6,700 mark.

The British Board of Film Classification is an independent, non-governmental body, which has classified cinema films since it was set up in 1912. "The Love Guru" (88 minutes), a comedy starring Mike Myers (of Austin Powers fame), opened June 20 in USA and Canada and will be released in UK on August one.

The Love Guru's rating in Finland upsets Hindus

July 11, 2008

Ashadh Shuddha Panchami

Finland: It seems that the protesting Hindus will not be able to appeal against the 'K11' rating, a rating which they wanted to be raised, given by Finnish Board of Film Classification to the Hollywood movie The Love Guru.

Maarit Pietinen, senior examiner of the Board, in a communique to acclaimed Hindu leader Rajan Zed, said, "Only the distributor can appeal against the decision of the Board."

Criticising this, Zed has said that other affected parties by the movie, in this case Hindus, should also have same rights of appeal against rating decisions as the distributor or owner, if they are not satisfied with the classification.

When asked, "Does not the Board think that this movie ridicules a religion?", Pietinen replied, "In the Act, which we are obliged to follow, there are no such ground as blasphemy or ridicule of religion, therefore it was not discussed."

"When a programme is classified, the Board has to take into account whether the programme (eg, film) contains material that might be harmful to children’s development. In the Act, harmful content is listed as violence, sexual content or horrific content or other comparable content," he stated.

Denouncing the Finnish Board of Film Classification for giving it 'K11' rating when it deserved the highest 'K18' rating, Zed stressed that according to the Board, "The primary purpose of the classification of audiovisual programmes is to protect children," but by giving The Love Guru a 'K11' rating, it is leading the highly impressionable Finnish children between 11 to 18 years to grow with a distorted view of Hinduism.

Zed says that in this fast changing world, Finnish Board’s classification criteria seems to be outdated and it needs immediate revision.

Supported by some other organisations, the Hindu leader has given a Finland-wide boycott call for the Hollywood movie by Hindus and other religious Finns because it lampoons Hinduism and Hindu concepts and uses Hindu terms frivolously.

"The antics of Guru Pitka of The Love Guru are a mockery of the esteemed institution of guru, who is a highly revered spiritual teacher/master/preceptor in Hinduism and who helps remove the ignorance of the seeker and who leads one from darkness to light. The guru-sishya (teacher-disciple) relationship lies at the heart of traditional Hinduism. Guru is often allied with the divine. Guru bestows spiritual knowledge totally free from selfish objectives," Zed stressed.

"On the other hand, guru in the movie instigates a bar fight, repeatedly narrates penis jokes, mocks yoga (one of the six orthodox schools of Hindu philosophy), wears female jewellery, mocks the concept of third eye, makes disciples drink tea passed through his nose, orders alligator soup, induces elephant copulation in front of the crowd, introduces himself as "His Holiness", lives in a lavish ashram staffed with scantily clad maids, and whose goal in life seems to appear on Oprah Winfrey show," Zed added.

"When did Hindu gurus become available 'for hire'? When and who started rating them? When did shishyas (disciples) started joining ashram for the sole purpose to make girls like them? Which Hindu ashram organises fights of disciples with mops soaked in guru’s urine? Which guru urinates in the midst of disciples?" Zed asks.

Hindus want a Hinduism video and booklet to be included with "The Love Guru" DVD

July 10, 2008

Ashadh Shuddha Ashtami

By Rajan Zed

Hindus are asking Paramount Pictures, presenter of Hollywood movie "The Love Guru", and its parent Viacom, to include a video and a booklet about Hinduism and its tenets with its DVD version when it is launched in the market in the future.

Advancing the campaign launched by acclaimed Hindu leader Rajan Zed; Bhavna Shinde, representing Hindu Janjagruti Samiti and Sanatan Sanstha, in a communiqué to Viacom Founder Sumner M. Redstone, Paramount Chairman Brad Grey, and others, said, "'The Love Guru' ridicules Hinduism and has hurt the feelings of the Hindu community worldwide".

She further stressed, "…to undo some of the damage done to the community by Paramount Pictures and Viacom through this movie, Paramount Pictures should (in consultation with acclaimed Hindu leader Rajan Zed)—produce a brief video about Hinduism and its tenets, and enclose it with 'The Love Guru' DVD, publish a small booklet about Hinduism and its tenets, enclose it with 'The Love Guru' DVD, attach a disclaimer at the beginning of 'The Love Guru' DVD".

Meanwhile, to counter "the gross misrepresentation of the Guru-disciple relationship" in "The Love Guru", Spiritual Science Research Foundation has announced holding interactive workshops across the world on "Who is a Guru" and to educate public about true Guru-disciple relationship around the occasion of coming Gurupurnima celebrations.

On the other hand, congratulating Rajan Zed for his successful campaign against this movie, Nevada Clergy Association has urged Paramount and Viacom to issue a general public apology over the "The Love Guru" issue, which, it says, "will help heal the wounds of seemingly perturbed one-billion-strong Hindu community".

Zed, who is president of the Universal Society of Hinduism, and who launched campaign against this movie starting in March, has given a worldwide boycott call against it by Hindus and other religious people because it lampoons Hinduism and Hindu concepts and uses Hindu terms frivolously, saying, "Today it is Hinduism, tomorrow Hollywood might attempt to denigrate another religion/denomination." A prominent Jewish Rabbi, Elizabeth W. Beyer of Nevada, has already called for boycott of "The Love Guru" because it "…lampoons Hinduism, mocks Ashram life and Hindu philosophy…" 

"The Love Guru" (88 minutes), a comedy starring Mike Myers (of Austin Powers fame), opened June 20 in USA and Canada and will be released in different parts of the world in the near future. Leading global entertainment content company Viacom's family of brands includes MTV, Paramount, DreamWorks, etc. Paramount Pictures Corporation is a global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment.

Boycott call of "The Love Guru" movie gathers strength in Australia

July 7, 2008

Ashadh Shuddha Panchami

By Rajan Zed

Rajan Zed, acclaimed Hindu leader, supported by some other organizations/leaders, has given a Australia-wide boycott call for Hollywood movie "The Love Guru" by Hindus and other religious Australians because it lampoons Hinduism and Hindu concepts and uses Hindu terms frivolously.

Zed, who is president of the Universal Society of Hinduism, and who launched campaign against this movie starting in March, urging other people of faith (besides Hindus) also to boycott the movie, said, "Today it is Hinduism, tomorrow Hollywood might attempt to denigrate another religion/denomination."

He has also criticized Australia Classification Board for giving it "M" (recommended for mature audiences) classification when it deserved the highest "R18+" (restricted to 18 and over) classification. Nobody wants the next generation of Australians, who are under 18 and passing through highly impressionable period of their lives, growing up with distorted view of Hinduism, Zed says.

A prominent Jewish Rabbi, Elizabeth W. Beyer of Nevada (USA), has already called for boycott of "The Love Guru" because it "…lampoons Hinduism, mocks Ashram life and Hindu philosophy…" 

According to reports, a protest has been planned outside Brisbane theaters when movie is released in Australia on July ten. Sajana Nand, President of the Australian Hindu Multicultural Association, has called for a nationwide boycott of the movie. Vamsi Krishna of Australia chapter of Sanatan Sanstha, in a letter to Australia Attorney General, wrote, "…please intervene in this issue and to kindly use your good office to put a ban on this movie from being released in Australia…"

The antics of Guru Pitka of "The Love Guru" are a mockery of the esteemed institution of guru, who is a highly revered spiritual teacher/master/preceptor in Hinduism and who helps remove the ignorance of the seeker and who leads one from darkness to light. The guru-sishya (teacher-disciple) relationship lies at the heart of traditional Hinduism. Guru is often allied with the divine. Guru bestows spiritual knowledge totally free from selfish objectives, Zed stresses.

On the other hand, guru in "The Love Guru" instigates a bar fight, repeatedly narrates penis jokes, mocks yoga (one of the six orthodox schools of Hindu philosophy), wears female jewelry, mocks the concept of third eye, makes disciples drink tea passed through his nose, orders alligator soup, induces elephant copulation in front of the crowd, introduces himself as "His Holiness", lives in a lavish ashram staffed with scantily clad maids, and whose goal in life seems to appear on Oprah Winfrey show, Zed says.

When did Hindu gurus become available "for hire"? When and who started rating them? When did shishyas (disciples) started joining ashram for the sole purpose to make girls like them? Which Hindu ashram organizes fights of disciples with mops soaked in guru's urine? Which guru urinates in the midst of disciples? Rajan Zed asks.

Hinduism is the oldest and third largest religion of the world with about one billion followers and a rich philosophical thought and it should not be taken lightly. No faith, larger or smaller, should be ridiculed at, Zed says.

Meanwhile, signature campaign launched by Hindu groups against "The Love Guru" has crossed the 6,700 mark.

"The Love Guru" (88 minutes), a comedy starring Mike Myers (of Austin Powers fame), opened June 20 in USA and Canada and will be released in different parts of the world in the near future.
















Hindu groups urge NHL to detach from The Love Guru

July 6, 2008

Ashadh Shuddha Chaturthi
Hindu groups have urged the National Hockey League (NHL), headquartered in New York, to immediately cut-off all alliances with the Hollywood movie The Love Guru, stressing that it ridicules and denigrates Hindus and Hinduism.

Advancing the cause spearheaded by acclaimed Hindu leader Rajan Zed; Bhavna Shinde, representing Hindu Janjagruti Samiti and Sanatan Sanstha, in a communique to NHL commissioner Gary Bruce Bettman, said, "All North Americans, including Hindus, are very proud of NHL and its heritage.

Founded in 1917, NHL is considered to be the premier professional ice hockey league in the world, and one of the four North American sports leagues along with baseball, football and basketball. The Stanley Cup is the oldest professional sports trophy in North America. "We do not want our NHL, which we hold in high esteem, to be in any way associated with The Love Guru, which lampoons Hinduism, its concepts, its traditions and its followers.

"So, please detach NHL immediately from The Love Guru, including backing out of all strategic, marketing and other alliances; and issue a statement in this regard," the communique stressed.

Meanwhile, Rajan Zed, supported by some other organisations, has given a worldwide boycott call for this movie by Hindus and other religious people because it lampoons Hinduism and Hindu concepts and uses Hindu terms frivolously. Zed, who launched campaign against the movie in March, urging other people of faith (besides Hindus) also to boycott the movie, said, "Today it is Hinduism, tomorrow Hollywood might attempt to denigrate another religion/denomination."

"This is pure and blatant ridiculing and The Love Guru presenter Paramount Pictures and its parent Viacom should immediately issue a general public apology," Zed said and added that Hinduism is the oldest and third largest religion of the world with about one billion followers and a rich philosophical thought and it should not be taken lightly. No faith, larger or smaller, should be ridiculed at.

Viacom is a leading global entertainment content company and its family of brands includes MTV, Paramount, DreamWorks, etc. Paramount Pictures Corporation is a global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment.

Source: merinews.com

Hindus not happy with 'Love Guru' rating given by Singapore Censors

Singapore: Hindus do not seem to be pleased with Singapore Board of Film Censors classifying Hollywood movie "The Love Guru" with "NC16" rating, and want it raised.

Advancing the protest movement launched by acclaimed Hindu leader Rajan Zed starting in March last; Bhavna Shinde, representing Hindu Janjagruti Samiti and Sanatan Sanstha, has appealed to Singapore Media Development Authority (MDA) to assign "The Love Guru" its highest "R21" (Restricted 21) rating instead of currently held "NC 16", saying " 'The Love Guru' blatantly ridicules and denigrates Hinduism and Hindu concepts".

In a communiqué to Singapore MDA, Shinde wrote, "Cinema is a powerful medium and it can create stereotypes in the minds of some audiences, especially in the minds of younger audiences, who are passing through an impressionable phase. We do not want the next generation of Singapore growing up with a distorted view of Hinduism and Hindus."

Hindus argue that the "The Passion of the Christ" movie was given a "M18" rating (higher than what "The Love Guru" presently has) in Singapore in 2004 when the official classification media release said, "The film did not distort or denigrate Christianity." On the other hand, "The Love Guru" blatantly ridicules Hinduism and Hindu concepts, so it deserves "R21" rating.

In Singapore, "NC16" rated films are suitable for 16 and above, while "R21" films are suitable for aged 21 and above. "The Love Guru" is reportedly scheduled to be released in Singapore on September four.

Meanwhile, Rajan Zed, supported by some other organizations, has given a worldwide boycott call for this movie by Hindus and other religious people because it lampoons Hinduism and Hindu concepts and uses Hindu terms frivolously. Zed, who is urging other people of faith (besides Hindus) also to boycott the movie, says, "Today it is Hinduism, tomorrow Hollywood might attempt to denigrate another religion/denomination."

A prominent Jewish Rabbi, Elizabeth W. Beyer of Nevada (USA), has also called for boycott of "The Love Guru" because it "…lampoons Hinduism, mocks Ashram life and Hindu philosophy…" 
 
Zed stresses that the broader aim of boycott against this movie is to protect the interests of various minorities and ethnicities and save them from future ridicule. Everyone is a minority in some place and in some sense and deserves to be respected. As fellow humans, is it not everybody's duty to stand for the rights of minorities and speak for them when attempts are made at ridiculing them?

Hinduism is the oldest and third largest religion of the world with about one billion followers and a rich philosophical thought and it should not be taken lightly. No faith, larger or smaller, should be ridiculed at, Zed says.

Meanwhile, signature campaign launched by Hindu groups against "The Love Guru" has crossed the 6,600 mark.

"The Love Guru" (88 minutes), a comedy starring Mike Myers (of Austin Powers fame), opened June 20 in USA and Canada and will be released in different parts of the world in the near future.

Australian Hindus call for boycott of The Love Guru

July 1, 2008

Jyeshtha Krushna Trayodashi
Australian Hindu Leader Mr. Nand calling for boycott of 'The Love Guru'
Australian Hindu Leader Mr. Nand calling for boycott of 'The Love Guru'

Australia: Blacktown's Hindu community has called for a boycott of Mike Myers' new film The Love Guru. They say the movie, which is scheduled for a nationwide release on Thursday, July 10, goes too far at making fun of the Hindu faith.

Sajana Nand, president of the Australian Hindu Multicultural Association, said he believed a comedy should make people laugh but not at the expense of ridiculing faith or spreading misinformation.

"It's us today but could be your community tomorrow,'' he said.

Mr Nand, who is also the secretary of Blacktown Migrant Resource Centre management committee, called on other religious and community leaders to support the boycott.

"We support free speech,'' he said. "But our faith is sacred and attempts at belittling it has hurt the devotees.Humour is a part of our society. Our folk plays and stories are full of parody, satire and buffoonery.''

American Hindu leader Rajan Zed, who has called for a boycott in the US, said the antics of Myers' character, Guru Pitka, mocked the institution of guru.

"Guru is allied with the divine,'' he said. "Guru bestows spiritual knowledge, free from selfish objectives. But the guru in The Love Guru instigates a bar fight, repeatedly tells penis jokes, wears female jewellery, makes his disciples drink tea passed through his nose and lives in a lavish ashram with scantily clad maids.''

Mr Nand quoted a saying from a Hindu religious book: ''As you imbibe the teaching of the guru you will find God in the forest or in the city. Any attempt by an individual or an organisation to make a mockery of a guru shouldn't go unchallenged.''

"Based on the information I have got, I would strongly urge a nationwide boycott of the movie.''

Mr Nand said he would call on the Film Classification Board to review the suitability of the fun.

The Sun contacted Viacom, the parent company of the movie's maker Paramount, but up to press time there was no response.

Source: blacktown.yourguide.com.au

Catholics to have serious dialogue with Hindus and others

June 30, 2008

Jyeshtha Krushna Dwadashi

Press Release

Catholics will have a serious dialogue with Hindus and other religions during the Annual Diocesan Conference of Reno (Nevada, USA) Catholic Diocese in January next.

According to Father Charles T. Durante, Pastor of Saint Teresa of Avila Catholic Church of Carson City, it will include dialogue among leaders of Muslim, Protestant, Hindu, and Jewish faiths besides Catholic. The Conference will be held on January ninth and tenth.

Invited religious figures include acclaimed Hindu leader Rajan Zed, Reverend V. James Jeffrey, Rabbi Myra Soifer and Imam Abdul Rahim Barghouthi, besides Durante.

Catholic Diocese of Reno, established in 1931, covers 70,852 square miles spread in eleven Nevada counties in addition to Carson City. Before 1840, this area was under the Diocese of Sonora in Mexico, when it came under the jurisdiction of Bishop Moreno of California. Current Bishop is Most Reverend Randolph R. Calvo.

Rajan Zed has congratulated the Catholic Diocese efforts in reaching out to other religions for a dialogue. "Religion is a complex component of human life. Dialogue helps us to see interconnections and interdependencies between religions and even similarities in doctrines," Zed adds.

Demand of public apology by Paramount and Viacom gathering storm

June 29, 2008

Jyeshtha Krushna Ekadashi

Press Release

Calls for public apology by Paramount Pictures and its parent Viacom on issues surrounding "The Love Guru" movie, started by acclaimed Hindu leader Rajan Zed, are gathering strength.

Now Nevada Clergy Association (NCA); which is composed of Christian (various denominations), Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Jewish, Bahai, Native American, etc., clergy; has joined others in asking for Paramount/Viacom apology.

In a statement issued in Nevada (USA) today, Right Reverend Gene Savoy Jr., NCA President, said, "We urge Paramount and Viacom to issue a general public apology over this issue, which will help heal the wounds of seemingly perturbed one-billion-strong Hindu community".

Rev. Savoy, who is himself a well-respected Head Bishop of International Community of Christ, said in this statement, "We are dismayed at Paramount Pictures, presenter of this movie, for backtracking on their promise to protesting Hindu brothers-sisters, which we consider an unethical business practice. We are also appalled at Paramount and its parent Viacom for utter disregard of the protesters and making no efforts to have an open civilized dialogue with protesters and arrive at a mutually acceptable solution, who have been stressing that this movie denigrates Hinduism and Hindu concepts."

He congratulated Rajan Zed "for his successful campaign" against the Hollywood movie "The Love Guru" and thanked him for "effectively creating this debate and awakening the future filmmakers to be more sensitive to the feelings of devotees when dealing with faith related issues".

Rev. Savoy further said, "We at NCA are for free speech as much as anybody else if not more. But faith is something sacred and attempts at debasing it hurt the adherents. Hollywood should be more conscious while handling faith related subjects, as cinema is a very mighty medium and it can create stereotypes in the minds of some audiences. We are concerned that today it is Hinduism; tomorrow Hollywood might attempt to mock another denomination/religion, which can be very painful to the faithful."

Sometime back, Christian, Jewish, Buddhist, and Hindu religious leaders, in a joint signed statement, described Paramount's backtracking on their promise to protesting Hindus as "un-Christian, un-Hindu, un-Buddhist, un-Jewish, etc., besides being unethical."

Meanwhile, various other organizations, including Universal Society of Hinduism, Hindu Janajagruti Samiti, Hindu Alliance of India, Shri Ramayan Pracharini Sabha, Sanatan Sanstha, India Heritage Panel, have also demanded public apology from Paramount and Viacom.

Rajan Zed launched the protest movement against "The Love Guru" in March, saying that it appeared to be lampooning Hinduism and Hindus and using Hindu terms frivolously.

Hindu boycott call contributed to "The Love Guru" failure at box office

June 27, 2008

Jyeshtha Krushna Navami

Press Release

Nevada (USA):The boycott call of Hindus against Hollywood movie "The Love Guru" for lampooning Hinduism has been very effective, contributing to its blunt failure at the box office, Rajan Zed, acclaimed Hindu leader, announced here today.

Zed, who spearheaded the protest movement against "The Love Guru" starting in March, stated that although various issues contributed to its failure, but the boycott was one of the major factors. Zed, who issued the boycott call last Friday after seeing the film, said that according to reports, many Hindus as well as non-Hindus have been shunning this movie in USA and Canada, where it was released on June 20.

It will reportedly face boycotts and protests in various countries where it will be released in the near future. Protests are reportedly being planned in India and Australia on its release there by various organizations including Hindu Alliance of India, Shri Ramayan Pracharini Sabha, India Heritage Panel, etc. Hindu Janajagruti Samiti has launched a worldwide protest drive. A Canadian Hindu group is also promoting the worldwide boycott. A prominent Jewish Rabbi, Elizabeth W. Beyer of Nevada, has already called for boycott of "The Love Guru" because it "…lampoons Hinduism, mocks Ashram life and Hindu philosophy…"

Rajan Zed argued that it was pure and blatant ridiculing of Hinduism, the oldest and third largest religion of the world with about one billion followers and a rich philosophical thought, and it should not be taken lightly. No faith, larger or smaller, should be ridiculed at. Today it was Hinduism, tomorrow Hollywood might attempt to denigrate another religion/denomination, he said while urging other people of faith (besides Hindus) also to boycott the movie.

Rajan Zed thanked the USA and Canadian filmgoers for having a feel for the pain of Hindu brothers-sisters by rebuffing "The Love Guru".

Meanwhile, signature campaign launched by Hindu groups against "The Love Guru" has crossed the 6,400 mark. Various Hindu, Catholic, Presbyterian, Jewish, Native American, Methodist, Buddhist, youth, film, spiritual/religious, music, yoga, civil rights, etc., leaders have already issued statements in support of this cause espoused by Rajan Zed.
 
Zed lauded various non-Hindu groups for their support gestures. Nevada Clergy Association has been supportive to the cause and has said, "Hollywood should be more conscious while handling faith related subjects." Daisy Khan, Executive Director of American Society for Muslim Advancement, commented, "I stand with many of my Hindu brothers and sisters. I will not watch this movie." Dwight N. Hopkins, Professor of Theology at the University of Chicago Divinity School, has said about the movie, "It exhibits the bodacious, repulsive, iconoclastic, sophomoric, insulting, stereotyping, and illogicality…"
 
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has declared "The Love Guru" "morally offensive" and slapped it with its highest rating "O". "Preview Online", which calls itself  "informative tool for Christian parents and moviegoers", gave it Morality Rating of  –4 (Dangerous), which is lowest of five categories, highest being +4. "Christian Spotlight on Entertainment" gave it a Moral Rating of "Very Offensive". Crosswalk, a Christ-centered corporation, wrote in the movie review, "…slew of seriously wince-inducing jabs at India's culture (horrible, even when meant in fun)…"

Catholics declare “The Love Guru” “morally offensive

June 25, 2008

Jyeshtha Krushna Saptami

Press Release

Rajan Zed, acclaimed Hindu leader, has lauded the remarkable interfaith gesture of United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) by giving Hollywood movie "The Love Guru" its highest rating "O" (morally offensive).

USCCB, headquartered in Washington DC, is an assembly of the hierarchy of the United States and the U.S. Virgin Islands who jointly exercise certain pastoral functions on behalf of the Christian faithful of the United States. Its Office for Film and Broadcasting (OFB) in New York is responsible for reviewing and rating theatrical motion pictures.

Harry Forbes, Director of OFB, in his review of "The Love Guru", said "…Unabashedly vulgar and tasteless, the film, which wallows in endless penis jokes and fairly yucky potty humor…". "O" is the highest of the five classifications granted by USCCB.

We are thankful to the Conference of Catholic Bishops for having a feel for the pain of the Hindu and spiritual community by categorizing "The Love Guru" as "morally offensive", Zed stated.

Meanwhile, Rajan Zed has given a worldwide boycott call for "The Love Guru" by Hindus and other religious people because it lampoons Hinduism and Hindu concepts and uses Hindu terms frivolously.

Zed, who launched campaign against this movie starting in March, urging other people of faith (besides Hindus) also to boycott the movie, said, "Today it is Hinduism, tomorrow Hollywood might attempt to denigrate another religion/denomination."

The antics of Guru Pitka of "The Love Guru" are a mockery of the esteemed institution of guru, who is a highly revered spiritual teacher/master/preceptor in Hinduism and who helps remove the ignorance of the seeker and who leads one from darkness to light.

On the other hand, guru in "The Love Guru" instigates a bar fight, repeatedly narrates penis jokes, mocks yoga (one of the six orthodox schools of Hindu philosophy), wears female jewelry, mocks the concept of third eye, makes disciples drink tea passed through his nose, orders alligator soup, induces elephant copulation in front of the crowd, introduces himself as "His Holiness", lives in a lavish ashram staffed with scantily clad maids, and whose goal in life seems to appear on Oprah Winfrey show, Zed said.

When did Hindu gurus become available "for hire"? When and who started rating them? When did shishyas (disciples) started joining ashram for the sole purpose to make girls like them? Which Hindu ashram organizes fights of disciples with mops soaked in guru's urine? Which guru urinates in the midst of disciples? Rajan Zed asked.

A prominent Jewish Rabbi, Elizabeth W. Beyer of Nevada (USA), has already called for boycott of "The Love Guru" because it "…lampoons Hinduism, mocks Ashram life and Hindu philosophy…"

Meanwhile, signature campaign launched by Hindu groups against "The Love Guru" has crossed the 6,400 mark.

"The Love Guru" (88 minutes), a comedy starring Mike Myers (of Austin Powers fame), opened Friday in USA and Canada and will be released in different parts of the world in the near future.

Hindu leaders call for worldwide boycott of "The Love Guru"

June 24, 2008

Jyeshtha Krushna Shashthi

Rajan Zed, prominent Hindu leader, has given a worldwide boycott call for Hollywood movie "The Love Guru" by Hindus and other religious people because it lampoons Hinduism and Hindu concepts and uses Hindu terms frivolously.

After seeing the film, which was released in USA and Canada on Friday, Zed said that "The Love Guru" was even much more denigrating than they earlier perceived from the information gathered from trailers, website and other sources.

Urging other people of faith (besides Hindus) also to boycott the movie, Zed said, "Today it is Hinduism, tomorrow Hollywood might attempt to denigrate another religion/denomination."

The antics of Guru Pitka of "The Love Guru" are a mockery of the esteemed institution of guru, who is a highly revered spiritual teacher/master/preceptor in Hinduism and who helps remove the ignorance of the seeker and who leads one from darkness to light. The guru-sishya (teacher-disciple) relationship lies at the heart of traditional Hinduism. Guru is often allied with the divine. Guru bestows spiritual knowledge totally free from selfish objectives, Zed stressed.

On the other hand, guru in "The Love Guru" instigates a bar fight, repeatedly narrates penis jokes, mocks yoga (one of the six orthodox schools of Hindu philosophy), wears female jewelry, mocks the concept of third eye, makes disciples drink tea passed through his nose, orders alligator soup, induces elephant copulation in front of the crowd, introduces himself as "His Holiness", lives in a lavish ashram staffed with scantily clad maids, and whose goal in life seems to appear on Oprah Winfrey show, Zed said.

When did Hindu gurus become available "for hire"? When and who started rating them? When did shishyas (disciples) start joining ashram for the sole purpose to make girls like them? Which Hindu ashram organises fights of disciples with mops soaked in guru's urine? Which guru urinates in the midst of disciples? Rajan Zed asked.

This is pure and blatant ridiculing and Paramount and its parent Viacom should immediately issue a general public apology for denigration of Hinduism and Hindu concepts, utter disregard of the protesters, backtracking on promise to pre-screen the movie for Rajan Zed and other Hindu leaders, making no efforts to have an open civilized dialogue with protesters to arrive at an mutually acceptable solution, Zed said.

A prominent Jewish Rabbi, Elizabeth W. Beyer of Nevada, has already called for boycott of "The Love Guru" because it "…lampoons Hinduism, mocks Ashram life and Hindu philosophy…"

Hindus are for free speech as much as anybody else if not more. But faith is something sacred and attempts at belittling it hurt the devotees. Filmmakers should be more sensitive while handling faith related subjects, as cinema is a very powerful medium, Zed argued.

Of course a small movie, which will be forgotten in few months, would not destroy the great tradition of Hinduism which has been around longer than any other established religion and has faced lot of onslaughts and came out stronger. But Hinduism is often misunderstood and wrongly portrayed outside India. Movies like this bring more confusion and create stereotypes in the minds of audience, many of whom may not have had any other exposure to its tenets, Zed stressed.

Humor is a part and parcel of Hindu society and our folk festivals, plays, stories, etc., are full of parody, satire, mimicry, buffoonery, etc. We are strong enough to take jokes. But there are certain convictions in every tradition, which are venerable and not meant to be mocked at, Zed argued.

People associated with the film claim that it has nothing to do with Hinduism and portrays "completely made up system of teachings". But terms such as guru, ashram, yoga, karma, etc., --all clearly point to Hinduism. Some people who have vested interest in the movie are unsuccessfully trying to defend this apparent mockery and in the process creating more confusion, Zed said.

The broader aim of worldwide boycott against this movie is to protect the interests of various minorities and ethnicities of the world and save them from future ridicule. Everyone is a minority in some place and in some sense in this world and deserves to be respected. As fellow humans, is it not everybody's duty to stand for the rights of minorities and speak for them when attempts are made at ridiculing them? Somebody has to make sacrifices so that others can live honorably, Rajan Zed stressed.

He said that what would have been a small public relations exercise blew out of proportion because of stubbornness of Paramount or incompetence of their public relations team or something else in their minds that we do not know. Backtracking on the promise of pre-screening for Hindu leaders by Paramount was described by the diverse clergy as "un-Christian, un-Hindu, un-Buddhist, un-Jewish, etc., besides being unethical."

Our doors are still open for Paramount/Viacom for dialogue, Zed said.

Rajan Zed further said that comedy should make everybody smile and should not come at the expense of ridiculing others' faith and spreading misinformation. Hinduism is the oldest and third largest religion of the world with about one billion followers and a rich philosophical thought and it should not be taken lightly. No faith, larger or smaller, should be ridiculed at.

"The Love Guru" (88 minutes), a comedy starring Mike Myers (of Austin Powers fame), opened today nationwide and will be released in different parts of the world in the near future. Viacom's family of brands includes MTV, Paramount, DreamWorks, etc. Paramount Pictures Corporation is a global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment.

Source: www.newstrackindia.com

Why ‘the Love Guru’ has used only Hindu symbols depicting faith? : Sean Clerke, SSRF

June 23, 2008

Jyeshtha Krushna Panchami

Ponda (Goa): Many things could have been used to create humor in the film titled ‘the Love Guru’; why then ‘Guru’, who is worshipped by ‘jidnyasus (curious)’ in spiritual realm, has been used, was the query raised by Shri. Sean Clarke, the Manager of ‘Spiritual Science Research Foundation (SSRF)’ based in Australia. Shri. Josh Freedman of Los Angeles Times asked his views on the film ‘Love Guru’.

Shri. Clarke said that it was the result of no research work carried out before starting the film. Had ‘Paramount Pictures’ engaged a person to perform the role of cardinal or even the Pope and asked him to carry out some strange things that have been done in the film by Guru, would people from Europe and USA tolerate such things, asked Shri. Clarke to Shri. Freedman.

Regarding his opinion on Shri. Deepak Chopra who has performed the role of Guru, Shri. Clarke said that the support extended by Shri. Chopra indicated his ignorance towards spiritual science. Hindus all over the world have been protesting against the film, in peaceful manner, for hurting their religious sentiments. But the company has shown total disregard to such protest. Would Paramount take such stand if agitators had resorted to violence? People practicing spirituality are tolerant; but nobody should take them for granted and it should not be taken as their weakness.''

Source: 'Daily Sanatan Prabhat'

Anti-Hindu Deepak Chopra says 'Love Guru' isn't offensive

June 22, 2008

Jyeshtha Krushna Panchami

As Mike Mayer's fun-thrilled Love Guru hit more than 3,000 theaters across the United States Friday, amidst protest by a Hindu priest here that it is offensive to his religion, New Age guru, Deepak Chopra, said Saturday that there is nothing in this movie to substantiate such a wild allegation.

"It is a fun-thrilled movie for American audience," Chopra told NDTV.Com in New York where he had come to attend a fund raiser for Myanmar cyclone victims. (Hindus like Chopra are true enemies of Hindus, who support defamation of Hinduism! - Editor)

Deepak Chopra, who himself appeared briefly in the movie, which has been running houseful in many theaters across the US, said there is nothing objectionable in Love Guru, which could be a cause of protest for the Indian-American community or the Hindus in the US.

Chopra said he agreed to act in the film, though briefly, only after going through the entire script thoroughly and he did not find anything objectionable for the Hindus. (Only a true Hindu like Rajan Zed could know 'what is the objectional in 'The Love Guru' ? - Editor)

"I do not subscribe to his views," Chopra said referring to the one-man protest coming from a Nevada-based Hindu priest, Razan Zed, whose claim to the fame so far has been chanting ancient Vedic mantras and Sanskrit slokas in US Senate and various US State Assemblies in the past one year.

Zed, who for the past several months had launched a relentless campaign against Love Guru a Paramount Production told NDTV.Com after watching it: "The movie is worse that the trailer." His initial opposition was based on the trailer. (Hindu Janjagruti Samiti in USA is also supporting Shri. Rajan Zed for the protest against 'Love Guru'! - Editor)

He has now issued an appeal to the Indian American community to boycott the movie, which he alleges downgrades the Hindu religion among mainstream Americans by using specific Hindu words like yoga, guru and karma with double meaning. "There are lot of things, which are objectionable. It lampoons Hinduism and Hindu concepts and uses Hindu terms frivolously," Zed said.

But not many people, including the Indian Americans are taking Zed's advice seriously. In fact, it is just the opposite for quite a number of Indian Americans to go and watch and see personally.

"I did not find anything which I could find objectionable. In fact, I enjoyed every part of it. I laughed a lot," said Kavita Singh, a software executive, after watching the movie in Manhattan Saturday evening. Singh, like many others acknowledged that she went to see the movie after reading news reports that a Hindu priest has called for its boycott. (Hindus like Singh are real enemies of Hindu Dharma! - Editor)

"The more the opposition, the more is the publicity of the movie," said Deepak Chopra. So did observe the two main actors of the film.

"It (opposition) is better for me and the movie," actor Romany Malco told NDTV.Com. Trinidadian-Malco, who has several Hindu friends and has spent his childhood in the company of Hindu priests, said the movie is for fun and entertainment.

"I feel sorry, if it hurts any one's sentiments. But this does not seem to be offensive to anyone," actress young actress Meagan Good, who is recognized for her acclaimed performance in the moody family drama "Eve's Bayou".

Mike Mayers' who spent years of research in the run up to the movie, told South Asian media a day before its release said he did not believe there is any opposition to it. "It is only one individual. That too without even seeing the movie," Mayer's said and was confident that after watching the movie, Hindus would not subscribe to Zed's view. (There is no need to see the entire movie. Only movie trailer is sufficient to prove that 'The Love Guru' lampoons Hinduism! - Editor)

While Zed, has renewed his call of boycott, he has failed to support from any prominent Hindu organizations in the United States so far. "The Love Guru" is much more denigrating than they earlier perceived from the information gathered from trailers, web