FLAGGING A DEBATE
Bollywood is divided on the SC ruling that the National Anthem must be played in theatres in India
Supreme Court’s latest ruling that the National Anthem must be played in theatres before film screenings has garnered mixed reactions from the film industry. While many feel it would help instill a feeling of patriotism, there’s also a sense of skepticism that it might become a political agenda.
A PIL was filed by Shyam Narayan Chouski, who runs an NGO in Bhopal, seeking parameters on what amounts to abuse of the anthem. His petition was considered by the SC after a man on a wheelchair was assaulted by a couple at a theatre in Panaji, Goa, for not standing up during the anthem. Acting on the petition, SC has ordered that everyone must stand when the anthem is played, and the national flag must be shown on the screen.
Among those we spoke to, filmmakers Boney Kapoor, Madhur Bhandarkar, Prakash Jha, Kunal Kohli and actors Nimrat Kaur, Taapsee Pannu, Neetu Chandra, Rajneish Duggal, Ali Abbas Zafar and Arjan Bajwa were all praises for the ruling. “Jai Ho! I sing it most proudly wherever I get the opportunity,” said Jha. “I’m sure everyone can stand for a minute to respect the country,” says Kapoor. “In the 70s, they used to play the anthem in halls, don’t know why they stopped. Today’s judgment is a proud moment for every Indian,” says Bhandarkar.
National Anthem before a film has been a practice in Maharashtra since 2003. “It should be a reflex action. No court should tell anyone to respect the National Anthem,” says Kohli. “I don’t know if it will influence anyone... (But) I’m really happy,” says Pannu.
However, not everyone sees a rosy picture. “It’s a good decision, but there should also be a law holding those responsible, who get aggressive when others can’t get up during a national anthem. They pretend as if its nationalism, but it’s not that, It’s hooliganism,” says TV personality Raghu Ram. Director Ken Ghosh agrees. “I hope it doesn’t lead to insults to people who genuinely cannot stand up.” Filmmaker Onir thinks the diktat to stand up in theatres is “ridiculous”, but says: “It’s been there in Mumbai for so long that we got used to it, so maybe the rest of the country should also be in sync.”
It’s something that is inherent to us and we should all be proud of it. It’s a great decision NIMRAT KAUR, ACTOR I don’t mind standing up and being a part... But I find it ridiculous that why does patriotism have to be thrust in your throat ONIR, FILMMAKER