My perspective as an artist is so limited: Kangana Ranaut

BJP MP and actress Kangana Ranaut has opposed the comments of veteran Bollywood actress Sharmila Tagore. In the context of the actress's comments, Kangana Ranaut requested - 'Come out of the Hindu-Muslim mentality'.

When asked about the reaction of veteran actress Sharmila Tagore at a recent event regarding the controversy surrounding Vande Mataram and its multiple stanzas, she said, 'I think there are many religious people in this country who do not believe in many gods and goddesses. They believe in one and only God.'

Sharmila said, 'Vande Kali, Vande Durga' - lines like this may make it difficult for people of some religions to accept this song. That is why she feels that only the first two stanzas of the song, which are mainly about respect and love for the motherland, can be accepted on a larger scale. She believes that if we are to carry on with people of many religions in the country, only the first two stanzas of the song should be sung.

Opposing Sharmila Tagore's response, Kangana Ranaut said, "The fact that Sharmila ji has openly expressed her objection to Vande Mataram is really commendable. But as an artist, her view of art and poetry can be so limited and artificial - it really surprised me."

She said that poetry and songs often resort to metaphors and imagination and their literal meaning is not always understood. Calling Vande Mataram 'the spirit of the freedom struggle', the actress said that this composition by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee is power. That is, it was written with the aim of awakening the inner power. She raised the question – how can such a great work of art be seen as limited to religious rituals?

Referring to Swami Vivekananda, Kangana further said, the word ‘shakti’ is not limited to religious meanings, it can also symbolize power or ability. Please rise above the Hindu-Muslim mentality.

However, despite the differences, Kangana Ranaut ended her message with warmth. She said, I love you and I have no objection to receiving the hug you always hug me.

It is worth noting that the Vande Mataram controversy began on Saturday (August 15) on Independence Day. The Congress and BJP started arguing over a video. In the midst of this controversy, the Congress has clarified its position on ‘Vande Mataram’. On Wednesday (August 19), the party’s highest policy-making body, the Congress Working Committee, decided in a meeting – only the first two stanzas of the national anthem will be sung in party programs and events. The party has also explained the reason for this decision.