Let’s understand the meaning of the National Anthem: Richa Chadha

The Supreme Court’s recentre orders to make the NationalN Anthem mandatorymand before film scree screenings in cinema halls sawsaw BBollywood fraternity divideddivid in their views. While somesome lauded the move, others calledcalle it ‘ridiculous’ and ‘‘forcforced’. Actor Richa Chadha, how however, has a rather strong poin point to make. The 29-yearoldold actora says it’s imperative that people first understand the meaning of their coun country’s anthem. ““II think there should be a rulingruli that makes it compulsorycom for people to learnlear the meaning of the NationalNat Anthem. It is an ant anthem praising the beauty and people of India, all regionsreg and people included.inc It doesn’t point to the threat of an enemy, doesn’tdo say we will defend it till we die, or that we must have war. It’s really positiveo anthem that lets peoplepe be. That should be th the aim — to live and let li live,” says Richa. ““SStanding up is a physical a action. It won’t change h how people feel. If we must, let’s investigate why people don’t feel like

I think, there should be a ruling that makes it compulsory for people to learn the meaning of the National Anthem. RICHA CHADHA, ACTOR

standing for the National Anthem.”

Acting on a petition to list down things what amounts to abuse of the anthem, the SC said that when the national anthem is played it is imperative for everyone to show honour and respect. It would instil a sense of committed patriotism and nationalism.

On the work front, Richa was recently applauded for her work in a short film, Raakh, co-starring Vir Das and Shaad Randhawa. Directed by Milap Zaveri, the short film saw her play Vir’s love interest who gets raped and murdered by Shaad’s character.