Actor-producer Mukesh Khanna, best known for his roles in 'Shaktimaan' and 'Mahabharat', has once again stirred debate over India's national anthem and national song. In recent interactions with ANI and IANS, Khanna reiterated his demand that 'Vande Mataram' should replace 'Jana Gana Mana' as the country's national anthem, questioning the historical context of the latter and arguing that 'Vande Mataram' deserves greater national prominence.

Khanna's Claims About 'Jana Gana Mana'

Speaking to IANS, Khanna claimed that 'Jana Gana Mana' was written during British rule and connected its lyrics to the then British monarch George V. "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 said.

He further questioned the interpretation of the song, stating, "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."

Khanna also revealed that he has recorded a seven-minute version of 'Vande Mataram', mentioning a meeting with Kalyanji-Anandji. In a separate interaction with ANI, he said, "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."

Earlier Claim About Queen Elizabeth

Khanna had previously made a different claim about the person to whom he believes 'Jana Gana Mana' was dedicated. In an earlier interview, he had said the song was written as a tribute to Queen Elizabeth. That claim was widely challenged, as Queen Elizabeth II was born in 1926, while the song was first performed in 1911. Nonetheless, Khanna continues to stand by his position.

Context: The Songs and the Debate

'Vande Mataram' was written by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee in the 1870s and included in his novel 'Anandamath'. The later verses of the song invoke Hindu deities including Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati. Recent reports have also noted that 'Vande Mataram' was given legal protection under the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026.

Reactions from Sharmila Tagore and Kangana Ranaut

The debate has drawn responses from other prominent figures. Veteran actress Sharmila Tagore expressed reservations about certain portions of 'Vande Mataram', saying that many religious people believe in one God. In response, actress and politician Kangana Ranaut took to Instagram, questioning Tagore's artistic interpretation and calling 'Vande Mataram' the spirit of the freedom struggle. Ranaut also invoked Swami Vivekananda's words and urged people to look beyond religious divisions when interpreting artistic works.

Khanna's Response to Misinterpretation

In a fresh statement, Khanna said his comment was misconstrued. He 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, reiterating his belief that 'Vande Mataram' should be given greater national significance.