Date: 27/12/08
Last evening I had gone for a movie at a multiplex in Mumbai. I’m not concerned about how the movie turned out to be, but one thing that caught my attention, and which turned out to be extremely distressing, was the National Anthem that was played before the start of the movie.
National Anthem is a symbol of national integration. Typically, our national anthem video features musicians, singers and artists, each one of whom is representing different region of our nation, from Kashmir to Kanyakumari and from Gujrat to Assam. In the past we have seen such videos featuring the likes of Lata Mangeskar, A. R. Rehman, many classical maestros and the artists from the hindi film industry, all coming from diverse regional backgrounds.
However, this time it was a bit different. It was the same song, but the cast was different. This particular video featured only Maharashtrian artists from Marathi film, TV and theatre industry. I have nothing against the Maharashtrian community, but to play national anthem that is being represented by only one state is something that is unnerving. It is not truly a national anthem.
We sing, “
But all I could see in this video was, “Maratha, Maratha, Maratha, Maratha, Maratha, Maratha, Maratha …”
Then why not call it “Maharashtrian anthem”, instead of “national anthem”? It is clearly evident that even our national anthem and our cinema halls are not spared by the dirty politics. If you truly respect your nation, then next time this video is played, don’t stand.
Bhavin Desai
how annoying!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteBhavin,
ReplyDeleteYour point is valid. But the basic song, tune and the music is the same. How can anybody sit while it is played? I totally agree that because of the dirty politics they must have shoot it with all marathi cast n crew. It is because of some useless politicians who believe in divide and rule.
Yes, it is divide and rule. me marathi, mai gujarati, ami bangaali etc. I don't think anyone except Maharashtra has this extremist politicians.
But if you look at the south India... what do they do? No national anthem in schools and in assemblies, no hindi as national language, no Vande Mataram.... No one can expalain their psyche...!!
The scene overall is depressing...
But we should not forget the basic... Our duty is to give respect to out national anthem and that is what your and my heart says.