Veteran actor Mukesh Khanna, best known for playing the iconic superhero Shaktimaan, has sparked a fresh debate with his comments on India's National Anthem. The actor has said that Vande Mataram should replace Jana Gana Mana as the country's National Anthem.
Khanna made the remarks during an interview with IANS, where he questioned the significance of Jana Gana Mana and expressed his strong preference for Vande Mataram.
Mukesh Khanna Questions Jana Gana Mana
During the interview, Mukesh Khanna claimed that Jana Gana Mana was written as a tribute to Queen Elizabeth and argued that the song should not represent India as its National Anthem. He said that he had previously expressed his views on the matter and believed that Vande Mataram was more closely connected with the country's identity.
The actor also questioned references to regions such as Punjab and Sindh in Jana Gana Mana, saying that Vande Mataram, in his opinion, better represents the nation and its heritage.
Actor Wants Vande Mataram as the National Anthem
Mukesh Khanna further stated that Vande Mataram should be given the status of National Anthem because he considers it a song that truly belongs to India. He also praised legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar for her rendition of the patriotic song.
Khanna revealed that he has recorded a seven-minute version of Vande Mataram, which he hopes will become memorable. He also mentioned meeting music composers Kalyanji-Anandji while discussing the song.
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Khanna Wants Jana Gana Mana Removed
Taking his argument further, the Shaktimaan actor said that he would like Jana Gana Mana to be removed and Vande Mataram to be adopted in its place. He also claimed that steps were already being taken in this direction and suggested that Vande Mataram should be performed in schools and at public events in its complete form.
His remarks have once again brought the long-running discussion surrounding India's National Anthem and National Song into the spotlight.
Jana Gana Mana Is India's National Anthem
It is important to note that Jana Gana Mana is officially India's National Anthem, while Vande Mataram, written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, holds the status of the National Song.
The two patriotic compositions have an important place in India's history and cultural identity. During this year's 80th Independence Day celebrations, the full version of Vande Mataram was performed immediately before Jana Gana Mana at the main ceremony.
Mukesh Khanna's latest comments have therefore sparked renewed public discussion over whether the existing status of the two iconic patriotic songs should remain unchanged.
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