Mukesh Khanna has criticised remarks attributed to Sharmila Tagore on singing Vande Mataram, questioning why religious sentiments should influence the national song’s rendition. He defended Hinduism’s belief in one formless God and said people should respect India’s national symbols, while opposing forced displays of patriotism. He also accused political parties of “appeasement” over the issue.
Veteran actor Mukesh Khanna has never shied away from expressing his views on social, political and cultural issues. The actor, best known for playing Shaktimaan and Bhishma in Mahabharat, has now reacted strongly to remarks attributed to veteran actress Sharmila Tagore regarding Vande Mataram and the debate around singing the national song in its entirety.
In an exclusive conversation with The Free Press Journal, Mukesh was asked about Sharmila’s reported view that only the opening stanzas of Vande Mataram should be sung, keeping in mind India’s religious diversity and the sentiments of people belonging to different faiths.
Reacting to the remarks, Mukesh questioned why concerns surrounding other religions should influence the way Vande Mataram is viewed.
“She is speaking according to her own understanding. I don’t know why she said it. Maybe while explaining her point of view, she ended up saying that people from other religions may not understand or accept it,” Mukesh said.
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