Mukesh Khanna Says Vande Mataram Better Captures India's Spirit

Shaktimaan fame Mukesh Khanna took to the media on August 16 to reiterate his long‑standing demand that "Vande Mataram" replace "Jana Gana Mana" as the national anthem. He said the older song feels like a leftover from the British era, whereas "Vande Mataram" resonates with the country's present aspirations.

Khanna highlighted that the verses of "Jana Gana Mana" were originally written in praise of a foreign monarch, something he finds inappropriate for a sovereign nation. He also criticized certain words – "Bhagya‑Vidhata," "Punjab," "Sindh" – as being out of place.

He lauded "Vande Mataram" for its spirited lyrics and historic significance, pointing out that Lata Mangeshkar’s classic version still moves listeners today. Khanna disclosed that he has recorded a detailed seven‑minute version of the song after consulting with renowned musicians Kalyaanj and Anandji, hoping it will become a new benchmark.

According to Khanna, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government has already begun encouraging schools to sing "Vande Mataram" more frequently. He urged that the full composition be publicly performed, noting that earlier edits had diminished its impact. Khanna expressed confidence that this shift marks a positive cultural evolution.