While comedian Mike Myers has been quiet for a few years since his hugely popular "Austin Powers" series, he has returned to the big screen with more than just a bang. His new movie "The Love Guru" has outraged devout Hindu's for "lampooning" the Indian based religion.
In a spirited opinion piece on popular Indian news website merinews.com, calls are being made for outraged Hindus to rise up in protest against the Canadian comedians creation.
'With all the ridicule showered at our holy men and women in the film The Love Guru, we should not only brace ourselves against Hollywood comedian Mike Myers, but also assert our rights to not let aliens poke fun at us when we revere our revered ones!'
'Want the sinister pleasure of enjoying how the 'stupid white comedian' had posed like Indian gods? Then see www.saja.org/vfdetail.html. But, caution: people who are wont to pick up a gun (or trishul!) at the sight of such gross insensitivity should please avoid opening the page!'
A gentler concern however is being shown by Raja Zed, President of the Universal Society of Hinduism, and teacher at a U.S college. Zed has asked Paramount Pictures for a special preview screening that can be viewed by Hindu leaders.
"I was deeply concerned after watching the trailer," Zed says. "It appears to be lampooning Hinduism. Hindu terms are also used frivolously. It perpetuates stereotypes of Hindus... I do have an email response from Paramount. But we have to wait and watch."