Veteran actress Sharmila Tagore recently sparked a debate regarding India’s national song, ‘Vande Mataram,’ suggesting that certain portions of the lyrics may conflict with the religious sentiments of those who believe in monotheism. In an interview with the Indian news agency IANS, Tagore explained her perspective, noting that because the song references multiple deities, individuals who worship a single God might find it difficult to recite lines such as ‘Vande Kali’ or ‘Vande Durga.’ She proposed that for the sake of inclusivity across all religious communities in India, it would be more appropriate to focus on the first two stanzas of the song.
This commentary drew a swift and critical response from actress and BJP Member of Parliament, Kangana Ranaut. Ranaut challenged Tagore’s interpretation, arguing that the song serves as a powerful artistic metaphor rather than a strictly religious text. She emphasized that ‘Vande Mataram’ represents the core spirit of India’s independence struggle, noting that Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay composed the piece to awaken the inner strength of the nation’s citizens. Ranaut questioned the tendency to reduce such a significant work of art to a matter of religious practice.
To illustrate her point, Ranaut invoked a famous quote by Swami Vivekananda, who famously called for a youth generation with muscles of iron and nerves of steel. She argued that Vivekananda was not discussing weather patterns or physical anatomy, but rather the awakening of internal ‘Shakti’ or power. Ranaut urged critics to move beyond a narrow ‘Hindu-Muslim’ mindset, pointing out that even medical professionals use the term ‘Shakti’ to describe physical human capacity. She concluded her remarks by calling for national unity and mutual acceptance.
Despite the intensity of the exchange, Ranaut maintained a tone of personal respect toward the veteran actress. She explicitly stated her affection for Tagore, mentioning that she deeply misses their warm interactions. As of now, Sharmila Tagore has not issued a formal response to the criticisms leveled by the BJP MP regarding her interpretation of the national song.
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