As India prepares to celebrates its 65th Republic Day on Sunday, Bollywood veterans like Ramesh Sippy and Subhash Ghai recall what hoisting the national flag means to them:
Ramesh Sippy (Filmmaker): When the flag is hoisted, we feel that we are Indians. That flag reminds us that because of it, an Aam Aadmi Party is born, which brings new things and the old parties also tighten their belts to do something. Time has come to fulfill the increasing demands of the public.
Sudhir Mishra (Filmmaker): Hoisting the flag means responsibility, you should know this is your Republic. Many people in the industry say that keep your brains at home while watching certain films. But I would say if you make a habit of it you would never elect the right leaders. It’s cool to be political and the kids are realising this today.
Prasoon Joshi (Writer-Lyricist): The flag has an emotional value. The flag is not only a piece of cloth, it is an emotion for your country. I get goosebumps when I see the flag hoisting. There is a history to the flag…the struggle of freedom fighters.
Subhash Ghai (Filmmaker): Jan 26 is an important day for all of us, it is when we prepared our constitution, wrote our destiny. Bhasrat Bhagya Vidhata was created then. We should also think whether we are interpreting the constitution correctly or not.
Anu Malik (Music composer): Flag hoisting is a big thing, it is an emotion which cannot be described. When you hold the flag, you recall all kinds of sacrifices made by the freedom fighters, the army and all. You must have noticed that all my songs have a hint of India, right from the time I did Judwaa.
Then be it Border, Refugee or anything else. I salute the greatest country ever. (IANS)
