{
  "id": 2789680,
  "title": "Video: Mukesh Khanna Says Vande Mataram Should Replace Jana Gana Mana As National Anthem, Repeats British Rule Claim",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/23/video-mukesh-khanna-says-vande-mataram-should-replace-jana-gana-mana",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-23T12:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Press Journal",
    "slug": "free-press-journal",
    "url": "https://www.freepressjournal.in/entertainment/video-mukesh-khanna-says-vande-mataram-should-replace-jana-gana-mana-as-national-anthem-repeats-british-rule-claim"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Veteran actor Mukesh Khanna has reignited the debate over India's national anthem by calling for \"Vande Mataram\" to replace \"Jana Gana Mana.\" In an interview with ANI, the actor reiterated his controversial claim that \"Jana Gana Mana\" was written during British rule and referred to King George V. Khanna stated that \"Vande Mataram\" has been \"unnecessarily turned into a controversy\" and that it should be given greater national importance due to its focus on the motherland. He also questioned the historical interpretation of the lyrics, arguing that \"if we consider the literal meaning of these verses, it raises questions about whom the song is addressing.\" This is not the first time Khanna has expressed his views on the matter; previously, he claimed that \"Jana Gana Mana\" was a tribute to Queen Elizabeth. His comments have faced criticism on social media, with critics pointing out the historical timeline surrounding the song.",
  "summary": "Veteran actor-producer Mukesh Khanna, known for his iconic roles in Shaktimaan and Mahabharat, has once again sparked a debate over India’s national anthem. The actor has called for “ Vande Mataram ” to replace “Jana Gana Mana” as the country’s national anthem, while reiterating his controversial claim about the origins and meaning of the current anthem. Speaking to news agency ANI, Mukesh said…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Indian Express",
        "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",
        "published": "2026-08-23T09:33:13.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}