Actor Mukesh Khanna says India’s national anthem should be changed, proposing that “Vande Mataram” replace “Jana Gana Mana.” He argues that the debate concerns the origin and meaning of the anthem “Jana Gana Mana,” and he presents “Vande Mataram” as a more explicitly patriotic choice.
The comments revive a recurring discussion in India about the historical background of “Jana Gana Mana” and its references. Times of India reports Khanna links his position to colonial-era associations and to the anthem’s homage to a monarch, while other coverage emphasizes that his remarks have brought the broader debate back into public attention. NDTV frames the development as a renewed look at what “Jana Gana Mana” means and where it comes from. The renewed interest also comes as “Vande Mataram” gains visibility in national celebrations, with some outlets noting that other public figures have recently weighed in as well.
Across sources, the central point is Khanna’s proposal and the ensuing discussion about national symbols, their historical interpretations, and how they should be viewed.
