It’s been 75 years of Free India!! As we celebrate our Independence Day on 15 August 2021, we gear up to appreciate and applaud the efforts of the freedom fighters who have secured India to be free. Sudhanshu Pandey the talented and versatile actor who plays the lead role of Vanraj Shah in Star Plus’ numero uno show Anupamaa has some amazing thoughts to share as a citizen of the country.  

Says Sudhanshu, “Independence Day for me is to celebrate the freedom that we have to live, freedom to express without worrying over anyone having control over us. That is what freedom is for me.” 

“I am very a strong Nationalist. I am extremely patriotic. The reason is that from childhood, I was in the Airforce School and later in the Army School.  Even though my father was not in the forces, I studied there. I was mentally preparing myself to get into the Army. I could not, as destiny wanted me to be here. But most of my classmates are still serving the country. They are big officers in the Army. I am very proud of myself and of my friends who are serving the Nation. In simple words, I am an army man outside the army,” he states.  

“My favourite patriotic song is Mere Rang De Basanti. My favourite freedom fighters are people like Bhagat Singh. They are true freedom fighters. They did make a difference. They gave their life at such a young age. Though their way of making a statement was different, people like Bhagat Singh gave their life for the country’s welfare,” Sudhanshu adds on.   

Ask Sudhanshu about the person who impressed him fighting for the country’s welfare during the pandemic phase, and he states, “No particular name I would take here. I would rather say that the entire brigade, the frontline workers at the hospitals, are the true brave hearts. In the same way, as the Army puts their lives on the line at any point in time, these guys fought to save lives, fought a virus. So many of them lost their lives. So my favourite people are the frontline workers.” 

Happy Independence Day to all!!