Mukesh Khanna, popularly known for playing Shaktimaan, raised many eyebrows by demanding Jana Gana Mana to be replaced by Vande Mataram as the National Anthem. He claimed that it was originally written as a tribute to Queen Elizabeth. In a fresh statement, Khanna said his comment was misconstrued. Mukesh explained in an interview that though it turned into a controversy, he stands by his views that Jana Gana Mana cannot be the National Anthem. The actor further revealed why he has an issue with it.
Mukesh Khanna on his statement about the National Anthem
In an interaction with ANI, Mukesh said, “Vande Mataram has been unnecessarily turned into a controversy. My comments about Jana Gana Mana have gone viral. But I reiterate that it cannot be my national anthem. It was written during the British era, when George Pancham (George V, the former king of the United Kingdom) was there, and India was under British rule. The words ‘Jana Gana Mana Adhinayak’ refer to the ruler and describe him as the one who determines India’s destiny.”
He added, “If we consider the literal meaning of these verses, it raises questions about whom the song is addressing. I believe Vande Mataram, which expresses devotion to the motherland, should be given greater national significance. We lived under British rule for many years, and even after independence, we continue to value English education more. India has its own rich traditions of education.”
Mukesh Khanna
What did Mukesh Khanna say about the National Anthem?
A day after Independence Day, Mukesh said Vande Mataram should be made the National Anthem. He told IANS, “I have said this three years ago that ‘Vande Mataram’ should be made a national anthem. Jana Gana Mana’ is not the national anthem of our country. It is a tribute to Queen Elizabeth. Rabindranath Tagore wrote a song in praise of her. We have accepted it. Bhagyavidhata, Punjab, Singh. It is not ours. ‘Vande Mataram’ is ours. Lata ji sang it so beautifully. I had a meeting with Kalyanji Anandji bhai. It has been two years since I have read it. I have recorded a Vande Mataram song for seven minutes, which should become iconic.”
He further mentioned, “I want that as soon as possible, ‘Jana Gana Mana’ should be removed from our country. ‘Vande Mataram’ should be brought. And Modi ji has started work in this direction. It is now compulsory in every school, in every function. ‘Vande Mataram’ will be sung first, and that complete song, some parts of which were removed in between. So I am happy that ‘Vande Mataram’ is rising. My song has been released in six months.”
Mukesh Khanna has never minced his words. Be it his opinion on the film adaptation of Shaktimaan with Ranveer Singh or critiquing Samay Raina’s work, he has been upfront about his thoughts, even though many disagree.