Veteran Punjabi film actor Nirmal Rishi receives Padma Shri
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Wednesday ordered that all the cinema halls in India shall play the national anthem before the film starts and all present in the hall are obliged to stand up to show respect to the national anthem.
The decision garnered a mixed response from people.
While some lauded the latest ruling by the Supreme Court, many criticized the decision.
Bollywood also remained undivided over the verdict. Many filmmakers questioned how the decision will affirm nationalism among the Indians.
While Randep Hooda appreciated the SC’s decision, ace director Ram Gopal Verma raised objection against the pronouncement.
“Respect has to be felt and if it is enforced, it will be faked which would be even more disrespectful to the NationalAnthem,” RGV said.
The latest to join to debate was the bold and beautiful Richa Chadha.
The 29-year-old actress in an interview with Hindustan Times said the Supreme Court should pass a ruling that makes it compulsory for people to learn the meaning of the National Anthem.
She asserted that people first need to understand the meaning of the anthem they are standing up for.
“I think the Supreme Court should also pass a ruling that makes it compulsory for people to learn the meaning of the National Anthem. It is an anthem praising the beauty and people of India, all regions and people included. It doesn’t point any threat from an enemy, doesn’t say we will defend the country till we die, or that we must have a war. It’s a positive anthem that lets people be. That should be the aim — to live and let live,” said Richa Chadha.
When asked if the SC’s decision will make any major change within the society, the ‘Masaan’ actress said, “Yes. Standing up is a physical action; it won’t change how people feel. If we must, let’s investigate why people don’t feel like standing for the National Anthem. But first, let’s understand the meaning of the anthem we are standing up for.”
