{
  "id": 2760283,
  "title": "‘Jana Gana Mana cannot be national anthem’: Mukesh Khanna demands ‘Vande Mataram’ replace it",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/23/jana-gana-mana-cannot-be-national-anthem-mukesh-khanna-demands-vande",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-23T09:33:13.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Indian Express",
    "slug": "the-indian-express",
    "url": "https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/jana-gana-mana-cannot-be-national-anthem-mukesh-khanna-demands-vande-mataram-replace-it-10845910/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Actor and producer Mukesh Khanna has reignited the debate over India's national anthem by advocating for Vande Mataram to replace Jana Gana Mana. He argues that Jana Gana Mana, composed during the British era, should not be the anthem as it was written with King George V in mind. Mukesh contends that Jana Gana Mana's lyrics, which refer to India's destiny being determined by a ruler, imply a connection to British rule. He asserts that Vande Mataram, a song of devotion to the motherland, should be elevated in national significance. Khanna also criticized the Cockroach Janta Party and student protests, suggesting that political parties are exploiting student issues for their own gain.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [
    "Mukesh Khanna proposes Vande Mataram as India's national anthem.",
    "Jana Gana Mana was composed during British era, implying British connection.",
    "Khanna criticizes political parties exploiting student issues."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}