In India, Independence Day is celebrated with great joy and happiness by people of all cultures, traditions, religions. Independence Day is observed on August 15 every year from 1947, as we were freed from the British rule after almost 200 years of slavery. It is a national holiday.

A celebration event is also organized by the Government of India at the Rajpath, New Delhi, where the public gathers to listen to the Prime Minister’s speech. By celebrating this day, we commemorate all martyrs who sacrificed their lives in making India an independent country.

We asked a few TV stars what Independence Day means to them. Read on to know what they had to say.

Drashti Dhami: Independence Day to me means the freedom of expression and freedom of choice. I'm proud to be a part of independent India as it enters its 72nd year. I think patriotism and freedom of speech shouldn't be restrained to special dates but should be practiced on a daily basis. I have a deep respect for the people who fought for our country's freedom, and as citizens, we should ensure that each step we take is for our country’s betterment.

Ritvik Arora: Independence Day, the day when we Indians truly recall our identities and take off the masks of caste and creed, has always held a very special place in our lives. I remember how we used to fly kites and party all day celebrating the feeling of oneness. Wishing everyone a very happy Independence Day.

Akanksha Puri: Being the daughter of an honest police officer, I have beautiful childhood memories of watching my father hoisting the Indian tricolour at the police station. I used to wait for this day in my school every year so that I can wear that white uniform with my favourite Indian badge on it. Participating in the school parade, waiting for special sweets, and eating my friend’s portion as well are things that always bring a wide smile on my face. As I essay the role of Parvati in Vighnaharta Ganesha, I have the opportunity to play multiple avatars of Goddesses that have always highlighted the independence of a woman.

Shivin Narang: Independence Day takes me back to my school days. As a kid and even now, it fills me with immense pride to see our tricolour soaring high in the sky. I’m fortunate to be part of such a culturally and spiritually rich country where people get to lead a happy, fulfilling life. I am thankful to the great men who have fought and keep fighting at the borders for our freedom and peace. I hope our country progresses more with every passing day and we attain more glory.

Ashi Singh: Freedom for me means that you do things that make you happy. I want my country to be free from judgement. Everyone should get to do whatever they want to. This year, I will do the flag hoisting on the sets of Yeh Un Dinon Ki Baat Hai and will also sing the National Anthem. I remember during my school days, I used to dress up like Bharat Mata for an act and I had received a standing ovation for it. Also, in Yeh Un Dinon Ki Baat Hai, I got the opportunity to relive my school memories all over again.

Himanshu Malhotra: It's been long that I haven't celebrated Independence Day. We usually sit in the house and watch television, but I remember for the past 2 years, I have been taking part in some independence day function or the other. I am looking forward to contributing to something like that this year as well. On this 15th of August, I am trying to do a bit for the RHA, that is the Robin Hood Army, and we have a few targets too. Their idea is to eradicate hunger.

Adnan Khan: I believe that Independence Day is a very important day in Indian history and we must understand the significance of this day and value every bit of it. Although we are free as a nation, there are times where women are still told what to wear and what to do; there is still inequality, female feticide, dowry system, and many other such social shackles that we as a nation need to break and rise above, and until that changes, I don’t think we have truly achieved our freedom. Everyone has the right to lead their life the way they want, and we must respect that. I hope we progress intellectually as a nation and value our freedom and the sacrifices made by freedom fighters. Lastly, I would like to wish all my fans a Happy Independence Day!

Karan Vohra: Independence Day is a day to celebrate freedom. Every colour in our national flag has its own meaning and relevance. Saffron stands for strength and courage, white stands for peace, and green stands for fertility and growth. We all should apply this in our life and make sure nobody tries to affect us in any way. We should all take pride in the country we live in and protect it until our last breath.

Vrushika Mehta: I always enjoy watching patriotic films as they teach us a lot about our history and the significance of Independence Day. We are indeed lucky to have the freedom of thought, speech, and expression, and must value and respect it. This time on Independence Day, I want everyone to revel in the spirit of freedom and peace that we have fought so hard to attain.