Indian celebrity performs rituals at Gurdwara Punja Sahib

Published January 23, 2020
Indian singer and actor Gippy Grewal prays at Gurdwara Punja Sahib in Hassanabdal on Wednesday. — Dawn
Indian singer and actor Gippy Grewal prays at Gurdwara Punja Sahib in Hassanabdal on Wednesday. — Dawn

TAXILA: Indian celebrity Rupinder Singh on Wednesday offered religious rituals at Gurdwara Punja Sahib, Hassanabdal.

The 37-year old Indian actor, singer, director and producer is popular on both sides of the border for his role as Gippy Grewal and his work spans the Punjabi and Hindi film industry.

Upon his arrival at the gurdwara, Mr Singh was welcomed by officials of the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) and Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC).

The gurdwara is considered to be one of the holiest sites for Sikhs because it is believed that the handprint of the founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak, is imprinted on a rock, hence it is called Punja Sahib.

Mr Singh performed various rituals during his short visit to the temple.

Speaking to the press, Mr Singh expressed how eagerly he had been waiting to visit the land of his Guru.

The love and respect I have received from the people of Pakistan is beyond my expectations and thoughts, he said while answering a question.

“People had many opinions when I told them I was planning to visit Pakistan and I would just like to point out that whoever wants to visit should do so without paying heed to what others are saying so they can witness how well they will be received here,” Mr Singh said.

I have brought love for Pakistan from India and will take back more love in return, he added.

Mr Singh thanked the prime minister for fulfilling his long standing wish to visit the shrines located in Pakistan.

Mr Singh is famous for acting in Punjabi films such as Carry On Jatta, Lucky Di Unlucky Story, Bhaji in Problem and Jatt James Bond. His single ‘Phulkari’ broke many records in the Punjabi music industry.

The actor also mentioned that he was happy he got to visit the town where his forefathers grew up before partition.

Responding to a question, Mr Singh pointed out that the people of Pakistan and India share the same culture, values and traditions and there is need for direct contact between the people of both countries.

Opening the Kartarpur Corridor will further strengthen relations between Pakistan and the Sikh community living all around the world, he added, lauding the government for taking steps to preserve and restore Sikh temples in Pakistan.

Published in Dawn, January 23rd, 2020

Opinion

Editorial

Judiciary’s SOS
Updated 28 Mar, 2024

Judiciary’s SOS

The ball is now in CJP Isa’s court, and he will feel pressure to take action.
Data protection
28 Mar, 2024

Data protection

WHAT do we want? Data protection laws. When do we want them? Immediately. Without delay, if we are to prevent ...
Selling humans
28 Mar, 2024

Selling humans

HUMAN traders feed off economic distress; they peddle promises of a better life to the impoverished who, mired in...
New terror wave
Updated 27 Mar, 2024

New terror wave

The time has come for decisive government action against militancy.
Development costs
27 Mar, 2024

Development costs

A HEFTY escalation of 30pc in the cost of ongoing federal development schemes is one of the many decisions where the...
Aitchison controversy
Updated 27 Mar, 2024

Aitchison controversy

It is hoped that higher authorities realise that politics and nepotism have no place in schools.