Happy Independence Day: Celebrities on what independence mean to them and more

Our country is all set to celebrate 75 years of independence on August 15 this year. It is one of the most significant days in the life of every Indian.

On this note, celebrities talk about what Independence Day means to them. They also talk to JYOTHI VENKATESH about their favourite freedom fighter, patriotic song and patriotic film. Read on:

Anuj Sachdeva

Independence Day means freedom of speech for me. I believe we have taken it for granted with time since the new gen has not gone through the sacrifices done by so many leaders during the pre-independence era to remove British rule.

It’s shameful how a lot of Genz kids don’t even know the names of the leaders who had given their lives to lay the foundation of the free India they breathe in today.

Fav freedom fighter will always be Gandhi ji (Mahatma Gandhi). He is known to be the Father Of The Nation for a reason and has always been praised for his way of living worldwide. And, my favourite patriotic film is Gandhi.

Mitaali Nag

Independence Day is surely a day which reinforces the patriotic spirit in me. The whole year we are busy hustling in our lives, but this particular day always reminds me that this hustling would have no meaning to it if I wouldn’t have had an independent country to live in.

It is significant in so many ways, the most important being it reminds me of the sacrifice the freedom fighters made for us to live in peace in a free country. It is so inspiring. My favourite freedom fighter is Rani Lakshmi Bai.

She has set such a great example for women. Being a woman she did not give up and revolted against the British and fought in the battlefield. Even having an infant did not stop her from playing the role of a warrior.

Salute to Rani Lakshmi Bai. I can’t name one film which is my favourite as I love watching such movies that invoke the spirit of patriotism in me. Be it Gadar, Kesari, Tanhaji, or Rang De Basanti, all these movies I keep watching time and again. *(song not mentioned)

Jay Zaveri

Independence Day is very significant for every Indian. For the past 75years all Indians get a chance to remember the sacrifices and struggles made by our freedom fighters to free India from British rule.

It reminds us of the founding fathers who envisioned and realised the foundation of free India. It makes us realise that our ancestors have done their part and now it lies in our hands, how we shape the future of our country.

I am proud of all our freedom fighters but there’s an ideology by Lokmanya Tilak which resonates a little more than others, he was one of the first freedom fighters, leader of the Indian Independence movement.

Tilak started the Swadeshi movement and proved how words can play a major role in the establishment and inspiring the masses. Through his articles in Kesari and Maratha, he motivated so many people to take part in the freedom struggle.

He was one of the first freedom leaders who started this. About patriotic films and songs, one of my favorite films is Swades and the song is Yeh Jo Desh Hai Tera.

Charrul Malik

Independence is happiness. Independence Day means today, we have the freedom to have our right to education, speech, and many more things. Independence to me is about making my own choices, own decisions, fending for myself and not being dependent on anyone for monetary or materialistic needs.

To me, freedom is synonymous with opportunity. The opportunity to say what’s on my mind, make mistakes, dream, and the opportunity to translate our dreams to reality.

Freedom isn’t something we wait for somebody to give us; we earn it and then defend it passionately. I like Mahatma Gandhi most. He is my favourite leader. He was a very simple man.

His sympathy and love for the underprivileged inspired him to fight for them. He helped people in need without expecting anything in return. He always told the people to do their work on their own without depending on others.

I believe the people of India were inspired to follow Gandhi ji because he never claimed to be a god or a superhuman. He admitted his mistakes and never blamed anyone.

‘Chhodo Kal Ki Baatein, Kal Ki Baat Purani, Naye Daur Mein Likhenge Hum Mil Kar Naye Kahaani, Hum Hindustani, Hum Hindustani’ and Border are my fav patriotic song and film, respectively.

Vijayendra Kumeria

Independence Day for me is a day when we celebrate our freedom, pay respect to the freedom fighters who made great sacrifices for getting us this freedom that we are enjoying and also celebrate the progress that we have made post independence.

I salute the courage Bhagat Singh had at that young age. The passion he had and the sacrifice he made has made him immortal. He is my favourite.

Mera Rang De Basanti Chola is my favourite song. Ajay Devgn starrer The Legend of Bhagat singh is my favourite patriotic film.

Sudha Chandran

The word independence signifies freedom. For me Independence Day means an independent nation. It’s a huge thing. Today I am also talking about free India, and how our country has grown in the last 75 years.

I am proud to be born as an Indian. Almost 200 years we were under British rulers. Today India has grown in leaps and bounds. In every sector, in every field or part of the world, Indians have contributed to the growth of every economy. For me that’s Independence.

After getting independence people started thinking of new things, started growing. In every field we have Indians in top positions. For me every freedom fighter, army, navy definitely contributed to the growth of India.

It’s very difficult to talk about only one freedom fighter. They also believed in teamwork. My favourite patriotic song is Ae Mere Vatan Ke Logo.

I have always felt connected with Manoj Kumar sir’s films. We all call him Mr. Bharat. I liked the films Shahid, Purab Aur Pachhim, Kranti, where they talked about patriotism in a very beautiful way.