No National Anthem in movie screenings? BJP’s spokesperson Shaina NC and BJP’s most vocal person Shatrughan Sinha battle it out

By Subhash K. Jha -

October 30, 2017 - 11:10 AM IST

Shaina NC: “If for 30 seconds we all stand up and pay our respects to our country by listening attentively to the national anthem, I fail to understand how this takes away from our freedom. We have all the rest of the day to do whatever we like. Why should anyone object to devoting such a small fraction of their time to showing respect to one’s country?”

No National Anthem in movie screenings? BJP’s spokesperson Shaina NC and BJP’s most vocal person Shatrughan Sinha battle it out

Shatrughan Sinha: “I love the idea of the entire collective gathering paying its respect to the National Anthem. But is there any need for nationalism to be imposed on us in this way? I don’t think making the national anthem compulsory at movie theatres serves the purpose of fostering a national pride. If one doesn’t stand up for the national anthem it doesn’t have to mean disrespect for the country. Likewise just because everyone is compelled to stand up for the national anthem it doesn’t mean they all have equal respect for national sentiments. Love for one’s country and pride for the anthem cannot be imposed. It comes naturally to all of us. Movie audiences are in a different frame of mind. They are casual relaxed in a time pass mood. ”

Naseeruddin Shah: “I have no idea why the audience should be feeling patriotic while watching a film like Golmaal!”