Anthem at cinema makes people proud on Independence eve

New Delhi, Aug 14 (UNI) When the familiar strains of "Jana Gana Mana" echoed in the darkened theatre, everyone stood up in respectful silence and the elders in the audience could recall the times when playing the National anthem was mandatory at the conclusion of every show at the cinema across the country.

The anthem was played at the opening of the film "Chak De", at a local cinema last evening. The film depicts a hockey coach's efforts to build his team, Team India, by combining players from diverse backgrounds and making them learn to use everything that life hurls at them as a secret weapon, highlighting patriotism and unity among the people.

It was being done as a part of promotional campaign of the new album of musical maestro A R Rahman and film maker and lyricist Gulzar, 'Jana Gana Mana', which had hit the stores four days ago.

Music legends like Pandit Bhimsen Joshi, Pandit Jasraj, D K Pattamal, Lata Mangeshkar, Pandit Hari Prasad Chaurasia, Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, Bhupen Hazarika, Asha Bhonsle, Pandit Shiv Kumar Sharma, Pandit Vishwa Mohan Bhatt, Ustad Sultan Khan, Amaan and Ayaan Ali Bangash, Rahul Sharma, Vikku Vinayakram, Uma Shankar, Kadri Gopalnath, Ravikiran, E Gayathri, Pandit Kartick Kumar, Hariharan, Kavita Krishnamurthy and many more, have lent their voices to the National Anthem on screen.

Every individual in the hall, from a child of six years of age to a senior citizen of 60 years, got up from their seats as a mark of respect.

''As the National Anthem started playing, the foreigners present inside the hall did not stand up initially but in a few seconds, they also became a part of us,'' said Atul Khanna, one of the viewers of the show.

The audience was touched by the gesture of great musicians joining in the rendering of the national anthem, especially on the eve of the 60th anniversary of independence.

''Such steps by the legends of India to bring out the true spirit of nationalism among the masses and make them feel glorious, have always been appreciated. To look at every person standing with honour and respect for our National Anthem in their eyes, is quite breathtaking,'' said Kamal Kishor Nath, a senior citizen, who was present inside the cinema hall.

UNI