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Zee Tamil’s “Dance Jodi Dance” Shows Men Dressed As Hindu Gods Dancing Obscenely, I&B Ministry Serves Show-Cause Notice For Disrespecting Hindu Gods

By
The Commune
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The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has issued a show-cause notice to Zee Tamil over alleged disrespect toward Hindu deities and religious figures in its show Dance Jodi Dance, aired on 12 July 2025. The channel has been asked to respond within seven days, explaining the content in question. The Ministry cited a violation of Rule 6(1)(c) of the Programme Code under the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1994, which prohibits content that attacks religious communities, shows contempt for religious beliefs, or fosters communal discord.

Following the broadcast of the show on 12 July 2025, there was widespread public outrage after viewers noticed background dancers dressed as Lord Shiva, Lord Ganesha, Lord Murugan, Lord Ayyanar, Lord Hanuman and other Hindu deities during performances of kuthu and gaana songs with a scantily-clad woman.

In the video, the man dressed as Shiva can be seen addressing the Hanuman character as “vaanaram” (monkey) in a disrespectful way. The man playing the Hanuman character wags the tail in an obscene way.

The portrayal was brazenly disrespectful and offensive to Hindu sentiments. Clips of the performance quickly went viral on social media, with many users tagging the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and urging immediate action. Critics argued that the songs and overall theme were not rooted in any religious context but rather appeared to mock sacred figures for entertainment.

In response, a notice dated 13 July 2025, stated, “Violation of Programme Code by Zee Tamil Channel. It has come to the notice of the Ministry that Zee Tamil channel has telecasted a show named “Dance Jodi Dance” on 12.07.2025. The said programme contains visuals which are in violation of Rule 6[1](c) of the Programme Code prescribed under Cable Television (Networks) Rules, 1994. The said provision of the these rules states that: No programme should be carried in the cable service that contains attack on religions or communities or visuals or words contemptuous of religious groups or which promote communal attitudes; 2. In view of the above, the channel is directed to furnish its comments in respect of alleged violation of Programme Code within 7 days from the date of issue of this communication. In case, no response is received from the channel within stipulated time, it will be presumed that channel has nothing to submit in respect of the alleged telecast and admits that the channel has violated Rule 6[1](c) of the Cable Television (Networks) Rules, 1994. Accordingly, action will be initiated against the channel as per the provisions of the Cable Television (Networks) Act, 1995 without providing further opportunity to present its views.”

This is not the first instance where Zee Tamil has faced criticism for controversial content. The channel had previously drawn backlash for a segment that was perceived as mocking Daivaradhane,  a traditional spirit-worship ritual deeply rooted in the culture of the Tulu community in Tulunadu. The depiction was widely condemned for showing blatant disregard for a sacred and ancient practice held in high spiritual regard.

The controversy erupted after clips from the performance began circulating online, sparking immediate outrage among members of the Hindu and Tulu communities. Many accused the channel of reducing a revered spiritual tradition to mere entertainment, calling the portrayal disrespectful and offensive. Devotees strongly opposed such rituals being replicated on stage, arguing that it undermines their spiritual significance. In response to the criticism, Zee Tamil took down the video but did so without issuing any formal apology.

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