# Controversy over Vande Mataram interpretations > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/controversy-over-vande-mataram-interpretations > Updated: 2026-09-04T02:33:10.000Z. Sources: 12. Developments: 2. A controversy has emerged regarding veteran actress Sharmila Tagore’s remarks on India’s national song, ‘Vande Mataram’. Tagore suggested that because certain stanzas reference multiple Hindu deities, they may be difficult for monotheistic individuals to embrace, proposing that only the first two stanzas be sung to ensure inclusivity of all religious faiths. This stance drew criticism from several public figures. BJP MP and actress Kangana Ranaut described Tagore’s perspective as “limiting and contrived,” arguing that the song should be interpreted through art, metaphor, and its historical role in the freedom struggle rather than a religious framework. Ranaut noted that references to “Shakti” represent strength and national awakening. Actor Mukesh Khanna also criticized Tagore, questioning the timing of her concerns. Khanna referenced her Bengali upbringing and her marriage to Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, arguing that her background in Hindu cultural traditions contradicts her current position on the song. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-04: Mukesh Khanna criticizes Sharmila Tagore over Vande Mataram remarks Actor Mukesh Khanna has criticized Sharmila Tagore over her reported suggestion to sing only the opening stanzas of Vande Mataram to accommodate religious diversity. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mukesh-khanna-criticizes-sharmila-tagore-over-vande-mataram-remarks ### 2026-08-21: Kangana Ranaut criticizes Sharmila Tagore over ‘Vande Mataram’ remarks Kangana Ranaut criticized Sharmila Tagore for suggesting that certain stanzas of ‘Vande Mataram’ should be omitted to accommodate monotheistic faiths, calling for an artistic rather than religious view. 10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kangana-ranaut-criticizes-sharmila-tagore-over-vande-mataram-comments --- Cite as: Controversy over Vande Mataram interpretations. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/controversy-over-vande-mataram-interpretations