Some Sikhs Object To Gurpreet Singh Sarin Nick Named The “Turbantor”
“Ask any self-respecting, turban-wearing Sikh and they will tell you the same thing. This Gurpreet character from American Idol is a complete fool!!!,” well known local bhangra dancer and Indo-Canadian arts organizer Gurp Sian wrote on his facebook page.
By R. Paul Dhillon With News Files
NEW YORK – Gurpreet Singh Sarin, the self-styled “Turbantor” gave American Idol host Ryan Seacrest a lesson or two in Punjabi bhangra as the first Sikh contestant made headway in being the first from the community to advance in the opening audition of the hugely popular reality singing series.
Sarin auditioned in front of the show’s judges Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj, Keith Urban and Randy Jackson in New York during Wednesday’s debut show. He was nicknamed the ‘Turbanator’ thanks to his knack of matching the colour of his turbans to his outfits, said a statement from the show.
But some local Sikhs found the ‘Turbanator’ nickname objectionable and insulting to Sikhs.
Well known local bhangra dancer and Indo-Canadian arts organizer Gurp Sian was one of those objecting to the term. Sian wrote on his facebook page: “Calling yourself ‘Turbanator’ is not cool or acceptable.
“Ask any self-respecting, turban-wearing Sikh and they will tell you the same thing. This Gurpreet character from American Idol is a complete fool!!!,” Sian wrote
The Sikh community should be proud of Sarin and many agree that he should be embraced but that he should give the “Turbantor” tag a rest and better represent his rich Sikh heritage and avoid being a stereotype.
The first episode featured Sarin, who told the show that he has a collection of at least 40 or 50 turbans.
From teaching Seacrest to perform the traditional Punjabi ‘bhangra’ (complete with the ‘brrruuuuaaaahhhhh’) to winning over the judges with his pleasant personality, Sarin is said to be one of the highlights of the premiere episode.
While auditioning in the first round, he performed a soulful rendition of the Maroon 5 hit “Sunday morning” and even sang a few Indian scales upon Jackson’s request.
Minaj, known for her distinct and experimental sense of style, loves his look. And Sarin decided to bribe her with a bright marigold turban to get into her good books, said a source.
