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BBC has been accused of disrespecting and stereotyping Muslims with their new sitcom ‘Citizen Khan’ as 200 complaints have been registered about the first episode. It was claimed that the programme “takes the mickey out of Islam,” was guilty of “stereotypes about Asians” and was “disrespectful to the Koran.” One scene that particularly provoked anger was where a heavily-made up girl, Khan’s daughter, rushed to put on a hijab and pretended to be reading the Koran when her father entered. The six-part series, which aired for the first time on BBC1 on Monday at 10.35pm, has been created by British Muslim Adil Ray, who also plays the lead role. One viewer wrote on the BBC’s messageboard: “This is terrible stereotyping, ignorant and just dreadful.” Another said: “HIGHLY disappointed especially when her father walks in and she dis-respectfully opens the Koran!!” But others defended the show. One said: “People are reading too much in to Citizen Khan, especially the hijab thing, it happens!” The series stars former ‘My Family’ actor Kris Marshall as the mosque manager and Shobu Kapoor, who is known for her work on EastEnders, who plays Khan’s wife. The comedy mocks Khan’s self-importance, including his delusions about his position in the community and about his standing in the business world. Critics have complained that it repeats many stereotypes about British Muslims, with the first episode all about the troubled wedding plans of Khan’s daughter. Some claimed while ‘Goodness Gracious Me,’ the acclaimed BBC2 Asian sketch show, had challenged stereotypes, the new show reinforced them. “Citizen Khan has made a very positive start, launching successfully with 3.6million viewers and a 21.5 per cent share in a late night slot,” a BBC spokesman said. “New comedy always provokes differing reactions from the audience. The characters are comic creations and not meant to be representative of the community as a whole,” he added.

BBC’s ‘Citizen Khan’ slammed for `insulting` Muslims