Dera chief dons new role, acts in movie to inspire social reform

If cinema is a medium for social change, one of the upcoming Bollywood movies could epitomise and prove it.

Renowned spiritual avant-garde saint Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, chief of popular Haryana-based Dera Sacha Sauda sect, will don a new role as lead actor in the movie set to release in January. The proceeds of this big-budget Bollywood flick – an action packed thriller that slickly intertwines a social cause – will be used for thalassemic children.

The movie will broadcast the significance of humanitarian welfare, progressive deeds that are potent enough to ground social evils like drug addiction and prostitution. At the same time, it will offer useful insights into why certain forces were involved in anti-Dera conspiracies that unsuccessfully attempted to blemish the popularity of the sect.

On Sunday, at a function in Sirsa, the sect head unveiled a plaque with film’s name,
‘MSG – The True Wonder Revolutionary’.

Saint Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh said, thalassemic children need repeated blood transfusions and therapy. Serious efforts are underway to ensure eradication of thalassemia in a cost-effective manner and the film supports such research.

Additionally, there is a need for a novel approach to treat HIV positives more effectively, who would also be amongst the prime beneficiaries of this effort, he said.

The movie is also an answer to the endless songs promoting liquor and vulgarity that push the youth into reckless actions, the saint told mediapersons.

He has performed at 107 music concerts and his music CD’s with a social message have been successful to draw youths away from social ills. His last music album released recently crossed a phenomenal landmark sale figure of 10 million CD’s.

The film, apart from Hindi and English, will be dubbed into several south Indian languages. Efforts are underway for a world premiere of the film.

The saint said the film contained an important social message on the issue of trafficking of women in particular. Several stunts, especially on a bike, have been performed by the saint himself.

“I have seen over 90 per cent improvement and behaviour change in high-risk groups who quit alcohol and immorality after learning meditation at the sect. Those drawn to my music have also quit wrongdoings. I foresee a 100 per cent effective response from the target groups though this film,” he said.

Dera chief spokesperson and consultant ophthalmologist Dr Aditya Insan said social reform is the objective of the movie.