Actor and director R. Parthiban has just a released a video that has him talking about a recent situation he had to face at a popular cinema hall in Chennai. He had visited the theatre to watch a film and had seen a family of 5 who did not get up for the Indian National anthem. Talking about the incident, Parthiban said:

“I recently visited this popular mall to watch a movie in their theatre. I was seated in the B row and I saw a family of 5 people with 3 children and their parents not getting up for the National anthem. I went up to the gentleman and ask him why he didn’t get up or atleast let his children stand up in honour of our anthem. His reply was ‘I didn’t feel like’.

If people dont wish to follow certain things, we should either scrap the idea or follow it sternly. I know taking this up to court or arguing further would be of no help. When I tried to escalate the issue, I was told to ignore it and stay silent without magnifying the issue through higher officials. If we cannot even pay respect or honour our National anthem, I really don’t understand it’s necessity in cinema halls. I hope there comes a solution to this soon.”