As India celebrates its 78th Independence Day, the country is working towards becoming a Viksit Bharat. Celebrities share how the entertainment industry can contribute to it and what independence truly means to them:
Nikhil Nanda
The best that India has done is create international cinema, but at 1/10 the cost, this would go a long way toward creating India’s help for outsourcing the technology for an enhanced cinematic experience. Bharat’s real treasure is its culture and heritage, and cinema is a super powerful tool to ensure the same reaches out to the masses in the most effective way. Bharat is the only country in the world that gives real freedom in terms of ensuring we can do and practice as we like and say as we feel appropriate.
Ekta Tiwari
My idea of being and living in an independent India is very simple: be unbiased, be liberated, and don’t cross anyone’s belief system and ideology. When you practice this way of life, in real life, you live and let live independently. And this can happen in India. So it’s the real responsibility of our entertainment industry to make and create content that is truthfully, respectfully, and entertaining at the same time. Vikshit Bharat is not just a word, but if you check our history, we were, we are, and we will be Viksit Bharat. Knowledge, infrastructure, technology, etc. were all taken out of Bharat and tried to vanish from here. And now, when it’s coming back to us from anywhere in any form, the upcoming generation thinks it’s from others. But they don’t know real history. That’s where our industry comes in with a lot of responsibility.
Sherleen Dutt
Living in India, independence to me means being able to follow my dreams, voice my opinions without fear, and contribute to the growth of our society. It’s the liberty to be true to myself, embrace my individuality, and work towards a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. This sense of independence empowers me to not only grow personally but also to be a part of the nation’s journey towards becoming a Viksit Bharat.
Shivangi Verma
For me, feeling truly independent in India means having the freedom to express oneself and pursue dreams. It’s about the opportunity to contribute to the country’s progress and live in a society where everyone’s voice matters.
Rushad Rana
In a country like India, where cinema and television have such a massive reach, we have a responsibility to use this platform to promote progressive values, educate, and motivate people towards positive change. Movies like Dear Zindagi address mental health in a relatable and compassionate manner. The film highlighted the importance of physical fitness and well-being. Dangal has inspired many young girls to pursue sports and has encouraged greater acceptance of women in competitive fields. It’s about being able to make my own choices and having the opportunity to grow and succeed. I feel truly independent when I see the diversity around me being celebrated, when I can voice my opinions openly, and when I witness the progress our society is making towards equality and justice.
Manmohan Tiwari
If the people of our country do not awaken and become mentally strong, how will they contribute to the development of the nation? So, I believe that education, parents, and books play significant roles, but cinema has an even bigger role. Because we watch a lot of TV, children are born with mobile phones in their hands; they have TV. They don’t even eat without watching TV. In such a scenario, what they watch, what we show them, and the kind of cinema, serials, or web series they watch have a big impact. If people can start parting their hair in the middle after watching Salman Khan, and a large population can do this for a long time; if people can start wearing bell-bottom pants after watching Amitabh Bachchan or skinny pants after watching Jeetendra; if people can get inspired to dance after watching Hrithik Roshan; if people start learning karate after watching Akshay Kumar, then it’s clear that cinema has a huge impact. I’ve always said that mental growth comes first, then physical. A confident person can do any job, whether they are a politician, an engineer, or a doctor.
Nivedita Basu
I think what India has done in the past 10 years is amazing. Suddenly there is a wave of desh bhakti, and when it comes to sports on an international level and education-wise,. I think of free thought and free expression of speech. Showing what you thought in this free India without any introspection. There have been shows and series that talk about nationalism, independent India, freedom fighters, and struggles. The leaders, which we didn’t know about earlier, because everyone is not accustomed to books, it is easier for everyone to visualize those times through movies. Social media is a huge tool. There is so much content that has been made, which raises so much awareness. I think all that together is contributing hugely to an independent India.
Chitra Vakil Sharma
As a producer, I’ve always believed that films and television have the incredible ability to influence mindsets and inspire action. We tell stories that resonate with people’s lives, dreams, and struggles, and through these narratives, we can promote progressive values, encourage critical thinking, and foster a spirit of innovation and inclusivity. As we move towards a “Viksit Bharat,” our industry plays a pivotal role in shaping perceptions and aspirations, ultimately contributing to a more enlightened and forward-thinking society. As content creators, we have the responsibility to celebrate our rich heritage while also challenging outdated norms and stereotypes. By doing so, we can promote a more inclusive and progressive India, where every voice is heard, and every story is valued. It’s about creating content that not only entertains but also empowers and enlightens.
