Kangana Ranaut Responds to Sharmila Tagore’s Remarks on ‘Vande Mataram’
Actor Kangana Ranaut has responded to veteran actor Sharmila Tagore after Tagore voiced reservations concerning ‘Vande Mataram’ being considered as the National Anthem of India. In her response, Ranaut argued that poetic references should be understood as metaphors rather than literal religious practice.
What Happened
In an interview with ANI, veteran actor Sharmila Tagore discussed the religious references in ‘Vande Mataram’. Tagore noted that while India has many people who believe in a single God rather than multiple deities, specific stanzas in the composition reference multiple gods. She pointed out that it becomes difficult for monotheistic believers to chant lines such as ‘Vande Kali, Vande Durga’, adding that the first two stanzas remain very good if all religious groups in India are considered together.
Responding to Tagore’s interview clip on Instagram, Kangana Ranaut stated she was shocked by what she described as a limiting and contrived view on art and poetry. Ranaut explained that writers and artists use metaphors and creative comparisons to achieve emotional impact, describing ‘Vande Mataram’ as the spirit of India’s freedom struggle through which Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay urged the nation to awaken internal strength.
Ranaut also cited Swami Vivekananda’s well-known quote calling for youth with ‘iron bones’ and ‘veins in which runs thunderbolt’ to illustrate her interpretation of ‘Shakti’. She noted that Vivekananda was demanding power rather than discussing weather, urging people to move past a ‘Hindu Muslim mindset’ and explaining that the term ‘Shakti’ simply signifies power. Despite the disagreement, Ranaut expressed affection for Tagore, stating she loved her and welcomed her warm embrace.
Key Highlights
- Sharmila Tagore expressed reservations to ANI about ‘Vande Mataram’ as the National Anthem due to references to multiple deities like Kali and Durga, though she supported the first two stanzas.
- Kangana Ranaut shared Tagore’s interview on Instagram, questioning why a piece of art is being reduced to mere religious practice.
- Ranaut highlighted the metaphorical nature of poetry and referenced Swami Vivekananda’s call for strength to explain the meaning of ‘Shakti’.
- Ranaut appealed for unity beyond religious divides while reiterating personal warmth toward Tagore.
Why This Matters
The exchange highlights differing perspectives on ‘Vande Mataram’, a song written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay that was closely linked to India’s freedom movement. While Tagore evaluated the composition’s literal religious phrasing from the perspective of diverse monotheistic communities, Ranaut emphasized its artistic, metaphorical, and motivational value in invoking inner strength.
What to Watch Next
Any further public discussions or responses from cultural or film personalities regarding the interpretation of historical national songs remain to be seen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were Sharmila Tagore’s concerns regarding ‘Vande Mataram’?
Sharmila Tagore told ANI that people who believe in a single God may find it difficult to recite stanzas mentioning multiple deities like Durga and Kali, though she felt the first two stanzas work well for everyone.
How did Kangana Ranaut respond to the remarks?
Kangana Ranaut stated that words in poetry serve as metaphors and should not be viewed narrowly as religious practices, emphasizing that the song represents national strength and the spirit of the independence movement.
Source: Based on statements originally reported by ANI and shared via social media, as covered by Bollywood Hungama.