Veteran actor Annu Kapoor has stirred controversy by asserting that the filmmakers of Chak De! India intentionally altered the film's narrative to fit what he calls a "communal agenda." Kapoor alleged that the lead character, Kabir Khan -- played by Shah Rukh Khan -- was deliberately reimagined as a Muslim, diverging from the real-life inspiration for the character, hockey coach Mir Ranjan Negi.
In an interview with ANI, Kapoor alleged that the film "changed the identity of the lead character to push a narrative," stating that Negi, who is Hindu, was replaced by a fictional Muslim character to depict a particular message. According to Kapoor, this is a continuation of a trend where Bollywood depicts Hindu characters in certain ways and promotes the concept of Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb (a cultural blend of Hindu and Muslim traditions). His comments come close on the heels of another controversial statement he made about Priyanka Chopra's reluctance to kiss him on-screen in 7 Khoon Maaf, claiming it was because he is not a conventional hero.
He said, "The main character in Chak De! India is based on a famous coach, Negi Saab. But in India, they want to show a Muslim as a good character and make fun of a Pandit (Hindu priest). This is something old, where they use the idea of Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb (Hindu-Muslim unity) to put a label on it."
Released in 2007, Chak De! India follows Kabir Khan, a disgraced former hockey star accused of betraying India after losing to Pakistan. In an attempt to redeem himself, he takes on the challenge of coaching an underdog Indian women's hockey team, aiming to restore both his and the team's honor. Directed by Shimit Amin and produced by Yash Raj Films, the film was lauded for its depiction of patriotism, teamwork, and resilience, becoming a fan-favorite and a box-office success.
The narrative shift -- portraying Kabir as a Muslim character accused of betraying his country -- has resonated with audiences, adding layers of personal and social redemption, yet it has also led to debates about the role of representation in Bollywood. Kapoor's recent remarks underscore ongoing conversations about the depiction of religion, character backgrounds, and social dynamics in Indian cinema. However, for many fans and critics alike, Chak De! India remains emblematic of a powerful narrative about underdogs rising against the odds.