Netaji Subash Chandra Bose famously proclaimed, “Freedom is not given... it is taken.” After taking this freedom from the British in 1947, India in 2023, is no more just a nation stepping out of the clutches of colonialism. Now, we have undoubtedly moved on to become a global leader in various aspects, and yet there is time and space for a lot of introspection. 76 years ago freedom meant breaking out of the shackles of the British, but over the years, the term has taken different forms and meanings depending on when it is asked and whom it is asked.
To mark the occasion of India’s 77th Independence Day, we reached out to a few cinema personalities to get their insights into this seemingly simple but deeply profound question... “What does freedom mean to you?”
Gulshan Devaiah, Actor
"In my opinion, freedom cannot be absolute, it always must bear the weight of social responsibility. Absolute anything causes imbalance & conflict."
Pankaj Tripathi, Actor
"Freedom for me means not being controlled or limited by rules, or customs that others have formulated for us. What is important in a society is to have self-determination and autonomy under our own authority and responsibility. There should be rules and regulations, but only those that we have formulated. In a free, independent society, in a democracy, there should always be space for agreements as well as disagreements. There should be criticism. Critique is necessary, but what is also imperative is appreciation. Both should be given and taken with a sense of equanimity."
Shabana Azmi, Actor
"Freedom to me is a precious gift that comes my way because of the struggles and sacrifices made by thousands of those who paved the way so I could walk the talk. I value what I have and will do everything in my power so that I pass on the gift to those who have come after me."