Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb is a farce; Shah Rukh Khan's role in Chak De! was based on Hindu coach Ranjan Negi, says Annu Kapoor

Veteran Hindi film actor Anu Kapoor recently stirred up controversy on social media platform X by criticizing filmmakers for promoting Muslim characters in Bollywood films, while sidelining real Hindu figures. In an interview with news agency ANI, Kapoor called out the film Chak De! India, alleging that the story was originally based on a Hindu coach, Ranjan Negi, but the filmmakers changed the character to a Muslim named Kabir Khan, played by Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, for what he claimed was "propaganda". He called it a propoganda based on fake Ganga Jamuna Tehzeeb.

The viral interview clip has sparked a heated debate online, with users on X sharing divided opinions on the actor's comments.

Reactions from social media

Social media users are divided on Kapoor's statements. One user commented, "When it’s a hero, they change it to a Muslim. When it’s a villain, they change it to a Hindu." Another user questioned the intent behind the film's character choices, stating, "Interesting take on ‘Chak De! India’—the name changes definitely raise questions about representation. Is it a matter of storytelling or something deeper?"


However, not everyone agreed with Kapoor's views. Several users defended the film and pointed out that the character changes were part of the creative process.

The portrayal of Kabir Khan in Chak De! India

Chak De! India, a 2007 sports drama, featured Shah Rukh Khan in the role of Kabir Khan, a former captain of the Indian men’s hockey team who is ostracized after losing to Pakistan in a critical match. The character faces religious discrimination and later seeks redemption by coaching the Indian women’s hockey team to victory.

While the film was well-received for its narrative, Kapoor’s recent remarks have drawn attention to its representation of the lead character.

Is Chak De! India based on Ranjan Negi?

Yes, Chak De! India is inspired by the real-life story of hockey coach Mir Ranjan Negi. Screenwriter Jaideep Sahni reportedly based the script on the Indian women's hockey team’s victory at the 2002 Commonwealth Games. Although the characters in the movie are fictional, the plot reflects challenges faced by real coaches and players.

Negi, along with Maharaj Krishan Kaushik, a former coach of the Indian women’s hockey team, was consulted during the film’s production.

Kapoor’s remarks have reignited discussions around the portrayal of religious and cultural identities in Bollywood, with both supporters and critics voicing their views online.