New turn of political and cultural dispute
The ongoing political and cultural controversy over the national song 'Vande Mataram' has now escalated due to the clash between two leading Bollywood actresses. Kangana Ranaut, who is also an actress and MP, has reacted sharply to Sharmila Tagore's recent statements. He appealed to Sharmila to 'come out of Hindu-Muslim thinking'.
Sharmila Tagore's statement
81-year-old Sharmila Tagore recently suggested that only the first two verses of 'Vande Mataram' should be sung. He said that the later verses contain mention of Hindu gods and goddesses, which may be difficult for followers of monotheistic religions to accept. This idea is in line with the Congress Party's 1937 decision to sing only the first two stanzas at party programmes.
Kangana Ranaut's reaction
Kangana expressed her disagreement with Sharmila's views by sharing a video on Instagram Stories. She said she respected Sharmila's concerns, but questioned her interpretation of her poetry as an artist.
“I appreciate that Sharmila ji has expressed her objection to 'Vande Mataram', but as an artiste I am surprised how her views on art/poetry can be so limited and artificial.” Kangana further said that references to Shakti in poetry should not be limited to religious interpretations.
Sharmila Tagore's perspective
Tagore's comments come amid the ongoing debate over the meaning and significance of 'Vande Mataram'. This song, written by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee in the 1870s, is deeply associated with India's freedom struggle.
Tagore said that the initial two verses focus on the motherland, while the later references may cause difficulty for those who believe in monotheistic religions.
Mukesh Khanna's opinion
The controversy started after actor Mukesh Khanna demanded making 'Vande Mataram' the national anthem instead of 'Jana Gana Mana'. Khanna had earlier also said that 'Vande Mataram' should be given the status of national anthem.
He said, “I had said three years ago that 'Vande Mataram' should be made the national anthem. 'Jana Gana Mana' is not the national anthem of our country.”
conclusion
'Jana Gana Mana' is the national anthem of India, while 'Vande Mataram' has the status of national anthem. Both the songs have an important place in the history of the country and are deeply associated with the freedom movement.