Bollywood actor Jackie Shroff has shared his perspective on the ongoing discussion about the possible renaming of India to Bharat. Jackie conveyed that, regardless of the country's name, its people would remain unchanged. Speaking at a Planet India campaign event in Delhi, he offered his unique take on the matter.
During a recent event in Delhi, the renowned Bollywood actor, Jackie Shroff, weighed in on the ongoing discussion surrounding the potential renaming of India to Bharat. In his characteristic candid style, he offered a perspective that underscores the enduring essence of a nation, regardless of the name it carries.
Jackie Shroff, known for his unfiltered and genuine expressions, shared his thoughts at the Planet India campaign event. He made a thought-provoking statement, “There’s absolutely nothing amiss with referring to our country as Bharat. Whether it’s called India or Bharat, it remains the same nation we love. In my case, my name is Jackie, but some folks call me Jockey or Jaykee. They may occasionally muddle my name, but that doesn’t alter who I am at my core. How can we expect a change at our essence? Names may evolve, but our intrinsic identity remains steadfast.” As he conveyed this message, he held a potted plant, symbolizing the continuity and growth inherent in a nation.
The recent controversy emerged from the invitations extended by President Draupadi Murmu for an official banquet during the forthcoming G20 Summit in New Delhi. These invitations raised eyebrows as they replaced the term ‘India’ with ‘Bharat.’ Instead of the customary ‘President of the Republic of India,’ the phrase ‘Bharat’ was employed. This alteration stirred speculation within political circles, particularly among members of the Opposition INDIA alliance.
Jackie Shroff’s perspective aligns with sentiments expressed by other influential figures. Just a day prior, the legendary Bollywood actor, Amitabh Bachchan, conveyed his support for the name change through a tweet in Hindi, wherein he proclaimed, “Bharat Mata Ki Jai”. Similarly, Kangana Ranaut celebrated the name change, expressing her happiness that the country was shedding what she referred to as its ‘slave name’.
In essence, these voices from the entertainment industry, including Jackie Shroff, reflect a broader discourse on national identity and nomenclature. Regardless of the outcome, their words serve as a reminder that the heart and soul of a nation endure, transcending the labels that may evolve over time.
