Annu Kapoor Speaks on ‘Vande Mataram’ Controversy: “If You Think It’s a Hindu Prayer, What’s the Problem?”

Veteran Bollywood actor and host Annu Kapoor has weighed in on the ongoing controversy surrounding India’s national song, Vande Mataram. Recently, the central government issued new guidelines mandating that all six stanzas of the song be sung at government events, schools, and official functions. The decision has sparked debate, but Kapoor described it as “a fantastic step” and emphasized that he has been advocating this for over three decades.

32 Years of Advocacy

Kapoor said, “It’s an excellent decision. I have been promoting ‘Vande Mataram’ for 32 years. Today, people follow the tradition and salute it. Even Indians in New Jersey, New York, Los Angeles, and California recite it because it resonated with them through my work.”

Recalling an incident during a Dubai shoot decades ago, Kapoor shared, “When I recited it, some raised objections. I told them, I can only recite ‘Hari Om’ and ‘Vande Mataram’. We did what we felt was right. Let people object if they want, but I will proclaim it until my last breath.”

On Religious Objections

Responding to concerns that the song is a Hindu prayer, Kapoor said, “Sanskrit is one of the oldest languages in the world, and India has an even older tradition with Tamil. ‘Vande Mataram’ is written in Sanskrit—a language of rich literature, Vedas, Puranas, Upanishads, Mahabharata, Ramayana. If you think this prayer belongs to Hindus, what’s the problem? A Hindu praying will not only seek personal welfare but pray for the welfare of the entire world. If peace spreads anywhere, it will come from India, where non-violence is taught.”

He further explained, “Our philosophy teaches peace and non-violence. But if you look at the battlefield of Kurukshetra and learn from Lord Krishna, you realize that while practicing peace, one must also be prepared to defend it. Our message of non-violence should not be obstructed by aggression.”

Government Guidelines on ‘Vande Mataram’

• All six stanzas of the song must now be sung at school and government events, instead of just the first two.
• It will be presented before the national anthem ‘Jana Gana Mana’.
• Everyone must stand in attention while singing.
• Cinemas are exempted from this mandate.
• The full recitation is set to last 3 minutes and 10 seconds.

Criticism from Political and Religious Leaders

Critics argue that the later stanzas contain religious symbolism, conflicting with India’s secular constitutional principles. Leaders from AIMIM and other Muslim organizations have stated that enforcing the song could harm national integration, noting that the Supreme Court has already ruled against compelling individuals to sing it.

Kapoor’s Takeaway

Annu Kapoor concluded, “This is not about forcing religion. It’s about respecting the national song, its heritage, and the values of peace and welfare that it embodies. If someone objects, it reflects their personal viewpoint, but the essence of ‘Vande Mataram’ is universal and for all of India.”