Kangana Ranaut has responded to remarks made by veteran actress Sharmila Tagore concerning the song “Vande Mataram.” In a recent interview, Tagore expressed her concerns about the song, suggesting that its religious references might make it unsuitable as the National Anthem for India. She specifically pointed out that the first two stanzas of the song could be interpreted in various ways.
In her response, Kangana shared a video of Tagore’s comments on Instagram and expressed her surprise at the veteran’s perspective. While acknowledging Tagore’s feelings, Kangana emphasized that art and poetry should not be limited to straightforward interpretations of religious practices. She stated, “I appreciate Sharmila ji for sharing her views, but as an artist, I’m shocked by how limiting and contrived her perspective on art and poetry seems. In any poem or song, words are often used as metaphors. Artists use imagination to create impactful expressions. ‘Vande Mataram’ represents the spirit of our freedom struggle, compelling us to awaken our inner strength. It’s a disservice to reduce such a magnificent piece of art to mere religious practice.”
Kangana also referenced Swami Vivekananda’s famous call for strength to highlight her interpretation of the term ‘Shakti’. She quoted him, saying, “Vivekananda famously spoke about needing youth made of iron, steel, and thunderbolts. He wasn’t giving a weather forecast; he was demanding strength. We need to move beyond a Hindu-Muslim mindset. Even if we believe in one God, power is referred to as ‘Shakti.'” Kangana added a heartfelt note, expressing her affection for Tagore and her desire to unite.
Sharmila Tagore, in her earlier statement, had said, “There are many religious people who believe in a single God, rather than many gods. In ‘Vande Mataram,’ various gods are mentioned, which may be difficult for those with a different belief system.” She suggested that for the sake of unity among the diverse religious beliefs in India, the first two stanzas of the song could be considered more acceptable.
This exchange is part of a larger conversation surrounding “Vande Mataram,” a song originally composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, which became an anthem for India’s independence movement. While Tagore emphasized the song’s religious connotations, Kangana focused on its artistic and metaphorical significance, highlighting its connection to strength and resilience.
