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Rapper Snoop Dogg under fire for 'culturally insensitive' Bollywood video
Last updated at 12:22pm on 01.08.08
Rapper Snoop Dogg has come under fire for being 'culturally insensitive' by dressing up as a Sikh in his new music video.
The Los Angeles-based Snoop - real name Calvin Broadus - teamed up with Bollywood star Akshay Kumar for the video for his song Singh is Kinng, taken from the upcoming film of the same name.
And, according to The Times, some people haven't taken too kindly to the hip-hop veteran wearing the traditional Sikh outfit off a sherwani and a turban.
Indian actor Akshay Kumar (l) and Snoop Dogg in the video for Singh is Kinng. Snoop's Bollywood incarnation was Kumar's idea
However, it was Kumar's idea to dress the rapper up as a Sikh so he looked the part in the video, which cost £240,000 to make.
Singh is Kinng's producer Vipul Shah said: 'It's true the contract said everything in the shoot, including the clothes were to be done by Snoop Dogg's crew.
'But Akshay decided to shop for his own clothes. And he persuaded Snoop Dogg to accompany him.
'They bought themselves a sherwani and a turban each. Plus a whole lot of accessories that you'll see them sporting in the song.
'Akshay persuaded Snoop to dress up like a Sardarji (male Sikh) for the song. The rapper sportingly agreed although he's known to never go beyond his contract.'
Currying favour: Snoop poses during the video for Singh is Kinng
In other Snoop news, the rapper's tour bus was pulled over and two of his entourage were arrested on charges of possessing marijuana yesterday.
Police stopped the bus on Interstate 45 in Corsicana, Texas because the vehicle had an expired registration sticker. Officers allege they then found two ounces of marijuana.
Both men face six months in jail and fines of up to £1,000 each.
The arrests came two hours before Snoop, who was himself not arrested in the incident, performed a concert in nearby Dallas.
Cultural exchange: Bollywood star Akshay Kumar sees things Snoop's way
Reader views (1)
Here's a sample of the latest views published.
Something is only "Cultrally Insensitive" if it seeks to mock the culture. We live in an increasingly multi-cultural world where things like music, art and theatre are increasingly mixing together styles and taking inspiration from various cultures.
Why don't these people wait until they hear the song and see the whole video before passing judgement! The beauty of Bollywood is that its big, bold, with amazing costumes and doesn't always take itself too seriously. Perhaps the PC brigade need to adopt a more Bollywood outlook!
- Emma, London
