As the nation gears up to celebrate our Independence Day, actor Rajniesh Duggall, who has been a part of projects like 1920, Dangerous Ishq, Samrat & Co., Laal Rang, and Wajah Tum Ho, and was recently seen in Udaipur Files—Kanhaiya Lal Murder, feels, for many the day is only about getting more likes and views.
He says, “For a lot of people or most of the youth, it’s become symbolic and just another post or reel for social media rather than a sincere feeling of freedom, which our forefathers and ancestors fought for. We all should work towards progress, keeping in mind what our freedom fighters, leaders, and ancestors did to get us that freedom.”
He believes patriotism should be an everyday feeling and says, “We have to become more responsible as citizens towards our societies, our neighbourhoods, our colonies, our cities, and hence our country.”
Speaking about the freedom fighters who have inspired him the most, he mentions, “Even though my Nanaji was a freedom fighter himself, I respect what Udham Singh and Shaheed Bhagat Singh did for India. But for me, the most impactful has to be Baba Saheb Ambedkar, who aimed to free India not just from British rule but also from social inequalities.”
“Baba’s vision of freedom extended beyond mere political independence. He fought for a society where all Indians, regardless of their caste or social background, could experience true freedom and equality. In fact, the biggest reason for me taking up the role of a Dalit in the movie Bagawat (Shudra-2) is the impact of Baba’s teachings,” he adds.
A message to your fans and followers? “If you are a true Indian, treat your nation and your people as one, promote equality, be a responsible citizen, and use this freedom to rise. Jai Hind,” Rajniesh ends.
