Actor and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut has criticised veteran actor Sharmila Tagore over her recent remarks on Vande Mataram, saying the debate should not be viewed through a Hindu-Muslim lens.
The controversy began after Tagore said that some portions of the national song could be difficult for people belonging to monotheistic faiths because certain lines refer to Hindu deities. Responding to the comments on Instagram, Ranaut argued that poetry and artistic expressions often use metaphors and should not always be interpreted literally.
The BJP MP shared a video of Tagore's interview and said she was surprised by what she described as a narrow interpretation of art and poetry. She also referred to examples of metaphorical language used by spiritual and cultural figures to make broader points.
Kangana Calls For Broader View
Ranaut said artistic language frequently relies on imagination, symbolism and comparisons to communicate ideas that go beyond their literal meaning.
She cited Swami Vivekananda's references to young people having "iron" bodies and "steel" bones as an example of metaphorical expression. According to Ranaut, such language was intended to convey strength and awakening rather than describe something literally.
She then urged people to move beyond religious divisions in the debate over Vande Mataram.
"Please come out of the Hindu-Muslim mindset," Ranaut wrote, while emphasising that people should accept each other's beliefs and differences.
What Sharmila Tagore Said
Tagore had discussed Vande Mataram during an interview with IANS, explaining why she believed the first two stanzas could be more widely acceptable.
She pointed out that many followers of monotheistic religions believe in one God, while later portions of the song contain references to multiple deities. She said this could make those portions difficult for some people to identify with.
Tagore suggested that the first two stanzas could be used when the objective is to bring people from different religious backgrounds together.
Her comments came amid an ongoing political debate over the singing and historical treatment of Vande Mataram.
No Response From Tagore Yet
Tagore has not publicly responded to Ranaut's latest remarks so far.
The exchange comes at a time when Vande Mataram has become a major political issue, with the BJP and Congress taking different positions over the song's complete version and the historical decision to use selected portions at Congress programmes.
The debate has also involved questions about the song's history, religious references and its place in India's national life.
Vande Mataram Debate Intensifies
Vande Mataram, written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, played an important role during India's freedom movement. Rabindranath Tagore sang the song at a session of the Indian National Congress in 1896, further strengthening its association with the national movement.
The song was later given the status of India's national song, while Jana Gana Mana was adopted as the national anthem.
The present controversy has brought the song's historical and cultural significance back into the political spotlight, with leaders debating whether its complete version should be used at official and public events.
Kangana's Recent Controversies
Ranaut's latest comments come shortly after she faced criticism over remarks concerning young people involved in protests linked to the "Cockroach Janata Party" in Delhi.
She had described the protesters using the phrase "Generation Gutter", later clarifying that her comments were directed at a particular group and were not aimed at India's entire younger generation.
Her comments also drew criticism from yoga guru Baba Ramdev, with the two subsequently exchanging remarks on social media.
Ranaut has continued to remain active on political and social issues alongside her film career. She is also scheduled to appear in upcoming projects including Tanu Weds Manu 3 and Sita: The Incarnation.
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