MUMBAI: It is that time of the year when everyone is decked up to celebrate our country’s independence. Though the current situation demands for a different way to celebrate the iconic day, the entire nation is all ready to rejoice in the celebrations and fervour of India’s 74th Independence Day. ALTBalaji, too, is celebrating patriotism and freedom with different shades amidst this global crisis that we face today. 

Paying their respects to the valiant freedom fighters of the country, it’s no surprise to see the stars celebrating Independence Day by shedding light on what freedom means to them along with talking about the things they would like to be free from this year. 

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1. Actor and Producer Tusshar Kapoor who played Manav in Booo Sabki Phategi defines the meaning of freedom in a new and innovative way -

“The pandemic induced lockdown has redefined the meaning of freedom! To me, the new meaning of freedom would be the ability to adjust to the new circumstances; to feel free from within, and be productive and positive. In its truest essence, freedom now is to have the security of being able to enjoy a good life with our families, stay connected with our loved ones, work from home and be independent irrespective of the external factors. Above all, we must learn from the pandemic to lead our lives in a minimalist manner and embrace the idea of less being more, paying attention to cleanliness and safety! This to me is the real meaning of freedom which will not only help us individually but collectively, as well! Here's wishing everybody a very Happy Independence Day and hope each one of us is free from all the shackles within.

2. Beautiful actress Divyanka Tripathi who played Chef Nitya in Coldd Lassi aur Chicken Masala wants to travel freely and also says how the definition of freedom has changed as everyone is under house arrest-

The definition of freedom has definitely changed! Especially, this year, as all of us are confined to our homes, trying to be safe and utterly careful.  We don’t have the freedom that we used to enjoy earlier in terms of travelling carefree, working at our will and in general being the way we want. On the other hand, it has also changed us positively! We are becoming independent in terms of handling our own chores. Before this, mostly all Indians were dependent on their house-helps but now we are learning how to manage between our work and household activities. Now we value everything that we took for granted in the past. I would like to be free of travel restrictions this year. Traveling to new destinations or to our parents' houses (in Bhopal and Chandigarh) comforts my soul. Need to do that soon to maintain my sanity.

3. Actress Asha Negi who played Gauravi in Baarish talks about the importance of Women’s safety and the need for women to have the liberty of choosing what is good for them-

I think that people these days, are no longer afraid of voicing their opinions of what they truly think and believe in. No one is afraid of anything, anymore, about expressing their thoughts. Society has become far more liberal, as people are vocal about their beliefs and speaking about it freely and openly. As far as freedom is concerned, the women for this country need to feel safe at all times. Many of us still don’t have the choice to wear what we want to or pursue our dreams. We are in 2020, and we definitely need freedom from these issues. Independence Day, for me, has always been a special day. 

4. Actor Tanuj Virwani who played Angad Sandhu from CODE M thinks that the definition of freedom has changed radically and how he hopes to find an end to the virus

The concept of freedom has changed drastically over the past few years. While growing up, the entire idea of freedom was completely different, as the influence of western culture has changed our lifestyle and our way of thinking. India has become a lot more open and democratic as a society, and I think the sky is the limit for us as far as we can grow by leaps and bounds over the next 10-15 years. Be it a citizen living in the city or a small town, they can now express themselves and aren’t scared of the consequences. This is what I believe democracy is and what the true meaning of freedom represents. I think it’s a bit of a no brainer that we all want to be free of the coronavirus. Having given the world and its people so much of pain and suffering, I really hope that we find a cure, a vaccine so that we can go back to what life used to be before the lockdown. 

5. Suchitra Pillai who played Sheena in Kehne ko Humsafar Hain says that the definition of freedom has definitely changed because of the current crisis that everyone is facing

The definition of freedom has definitely changed this year because everybody feels jailed to be very frank. That's the word that people would use to describe the past five months. It's been very tough on people especially somebody like me who is extremely hyperactive and likes to be spent time outdoors most of the time. What one wants when they say they want to be free is that they should be able to walk in fresh air and open space without a worry in the world. The definition of freedom for anybody these days is definitely just to be able to walk in fresh air and open spaces. One thing that I would want to be free of at the very earliest is the amount of free time at my disposal. I want that to go away so that I can start looking for more work. My Independence Day memories as a child in Delhi saw me going to school for the flag-hoisting ceremony and singing the national anthem. With the rest of the day a holiday, I used to watch something on TV like a parade or just spend quality time with my friends and family.

6. Rahul Dev who played Naib Subedar Kirpal Bhatti in Test Case thinks that the first day back at work after the lockdown was a victory that gave the sense of independence

I feel despite the challenges of the pandemic & the restrictions of the lockdown, enjoying a cup of coffee in the car or the first run done outdoor did feel liberating to say the least. Giving one’s spirit the feeling of elation, it was a celebration, a win of sorts despite fully knowing that the virus is present. We have adjusted and adapted ourselves to live with it now. Speaking about freedom, I must say that the first day back at work was a victory that gave the sense of independence. My wishes for everyone have to do with freedom for I want a virus-free and green Earth. As far as my Independence Day memories as a child in Delhi are concerned, the day meant a break from school. Despite it being a holiday, I used to wake up early and watch the flag hoisting ceremony at the Red Fort on TV. I don’t know what is it about the national anthem and the feeling that it evokes inside you. Each time it plays, it makes me want to do something special for the country

7. Sahil Shroff who played Rishi Mehta in Baarish says how we have taken the freedom for granted and how he would like to be free of the suffering the world is going through-

The definition has changed only in the way that the value of freedom has been amplified than it was before! Whether it’s this generation or the generation before – we have taken freedom for granted without realizing how it would be to have your life at-risk all the time. I feel, now all of us will be more grateful and respectful towards what we have in the name of freedom and value it even more! I would like to be free of the suffering that has consumed the world, all around! On a personal note, I have used this time to free myself of all that I needed to (haha)

8. Actress Saba Saudagar who played Shalu in Booo Sabki Phategi reveals on how she wants a COVID free country this Independence Day and in her way gives the definition of freedom-

I feel due to COVID-19, the definition of everything under the sun has changed drastically! The definition of freedom is not restricted to just being boundary-less or being unstoppable. This year, freedom has redefined itself to the point where crossing our own doorsteps without any fear and hesitation is the epitome of being free. Who had ever thought that something like staying out in public post 9 PM would be a luxury that we all would be looking forward to? I feel, 2020 has taught all of us that freedom is more of an emotional concept than a physical or a political one. Having witnessed and survived so many unprecedented tragedies this year, I think it would be apt to quote my favourite American science fiction author Robert A Heinlein, “You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don’t ever count on having both at once.” 

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