After Sharmila Tagore and Kangana Ranaut, Mukesh Khanna weighs in on the ‘Jana Gana Mana’ versus 'Vande Mataram' national anthem debate and questions its British-era origins: 'Even after independence, we continue to value English education more'
etimes.in / Aug 23, 2026, 16:32 (IST)
In a bold move, actor Mukesh Khanna has proposed the replacement of Jana Gana Mana with Vande Mataram as India's national anthem. Citing Jana Gana Mana's ties to colonial history and its homage to a monarch, Khanna argues that Vande Mataram encapsulates a deeper patriotism. This assertion comes to light following remarks from Sharmila Tagore and Kangana Ranaut, as Vande Mataram sees a resurgence in its significance during national celebrations.