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Annu Kapoor hails Vande Mataram directive, calls it a "wonderful decision"

Veteran actor Annu Kapoor has strongly welcomed the Union Home Ministry's directive mandating the singing of all six verses of Vande Mataram. He revealed he has been promoting the song for over three decades and takes pride in its global recognition. Kapoor also described ancient Sanskrit texts as prayers of the Hindu people, embedded with peace. Additionally, he commented on Hindu-Muslim divisions, attributing them to politics and emphasizing the need for Hindu unity.

Key Points: Annu Kapoor praises Centre's Vande Mataram order

  • Supports Vande Mataram directive
  • Promoted song for 32 years
  • Calls Sanskrit literature a Hindu prayer
  • Says Hindu-Muslim division is politics
  • Announces new play 'Triple A'
3 min read

"Wonderful decision": Annu Kapoor lauds Centre's directive for Vande Mataram

Veteran actor Annu Kapoor supports the mandate to sing all verses of Vande Mataram, calling it a wonderful decision and discussing Hindu unity.

"It's a very good, wonderful, wonderful decision. - Annu Kapoor"

Mumbai, February 20

Veteran actor Annu Kapoor welcomed the Union Home Ministry's directive mandating the singing of all six verses of Vande Mataram before the national anthem, terming it a "wonderful decision".

In an interview with ANI, Annu Kapoor said that he has been promoting 'Vande Mataram' for over 32 years and takes pride in how widely it is discussed now.

"It's a very good decision. It's a very good, wonderful, wonderful decision. It has been taken recently but Annu Kapoor has been saying Vande Mataram for 32 years now. It's a good thing. If you meet a person from America, from the East Coast, New Jersey, New York, LA, California, or Houston and if you hear the word Vande mataram from their mouths, then assume that they have this disease from Annu Kapoor," said Annu Kapoor.

"So, it's a very good thing and it is the eternal creation of Pandit Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, which is our national anthem. Vandematram. No one should object to this. Vande Mataram," added Annu Kapoor.

The actor also described the ancient Sanskrit literature including the Vedas, Upanishads, Aranyakas, Ramayana and Mahabharata as a "prayer" of the Hindu people, which is embedded with peace and non-violence.

"Sanskrit is one of the oldest languages in the world. In Sanskrit, wonderful literature has been written and is the prayer in Sanskrit and if people think this prayer is of a Hindu, then what is the problem? Can't a Hindu pray? And if a Hindu prays, then he will not only talk about his own welfare, he will talk about the welfare of the whole world. The violence that has spread all over the world, if ever, by mistake, a wave of peace, a breeze of peace comes, then the fragrance of that breeze will come only from the land of India," said Annu Kapoor.

The 'Utsav' actor claimed that the alleged Hindu-Muslim divisions in India are allegedly driven by politics, saying that Hindus need unity and strong leadership to turn India into a Hindu nation.

When asked about the increasing division between Hindu and Muslim in India, Annu Kapoor said, "This is politics. It is very important for Hindus to stay united. When there is unity, only then will we be able to face the enemy. People should forget about religion, caste, and sect."

On the work front, Kapoor also spoke about his new theatrical venture. Titled 'Triple A', the play stands for "Art, Artists, and Audience."

The play has been written with the support of his creative associates Arunima Misra, Devendra Balsaraf and Sufi Khan.

Auditions are currently underway, with two sessions already completed.

Known for films such as 'Mandi', 'Mr. India', 'Tezaab', 'Ram Lakhan', 'Ghayal', 'Hum', 'Darr', 'Sardar', 'Aitraaz' and '7 Khoon Maaf', Kapoor has also hosted the popular television show 'Antakshari' and currently presents the radio programme 'Suhaana Safar With Annu Kapoor.' He was recently seen in 'The Signature.'

The actor has turned 70 years old today.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul R
While I respect the sentiment, I'm not sure about making it mandatory. Patriotism should come from the heart, not from a government order. Could this create unnecessary divisions?
A
Arjun K
Annu Kapoor sir has been a true cultural ambassador for decades. His love for Vande Mataram is genuine. But his comments about Hindu nation and "facing the enemy" are concerning. We are one India, for all.
S
Sarah B
As someone who has lived in India for 5 years, I find the debate fascinating. Vande Mataram is a beautiful composition. But linking it exclusively to one religion, as Mr. Kapoor seems to do with Sanskrit literature, might alienate some citizens.
K
Karthik V
The full six verses are poetic and magnificent. Most of us only know the first stanza. This directive will help the new generation learn and appreciate our rich heritage. Jai Hind!
M
Meera T
Happy Birthday to Annu Kapoor ji! A legend of Indian cinema. His passion is undeniable. But I wish the focus was more on the unifying message of Vande Mataram for *all* Indians, rather than framing it within a specific religious context.

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