Sehban Azim is a popular Indian television and web series actor known for his versatile roles across hit shows like Dill Mill Gayye, Bepannaah, Tujhse Hai Raabta, Spy Bahu, and the web series Dear Ishq. Over the years, he has earned a strong fan following for bringing depth, charm, and emotional nuance to his characters. On the occasion of Independence Day, Sehban shared a deeply reflective perspective on what Azadi (freedom) truly means to him today. “When I think of Azadi, 1947 comes to mind—the loss and sacrifice of lives for India’s freedom. I remember the many freedom fighters, both known and unknown. It also reminds me of the six fundamental rights: Right to equality, Right to freedom, Right against exploitation, Right to freedom of religion, Cultural and educational rights, and Right to constitutional remedies.”
When asked about representing his personality through a single colour of the national flag, Sehban refused to separate the tricolour, identifying instead with the emblem as a complete entity. “Choosing just one colour from the Indian flag to represent my personality feels impossible. I’ve grown up seeing the flag as a whole, and it embodies my identity as an Indian. The entire flag, with all its colours, represents who I am, not just one aspect of it.”
For Sehban, patriotism is not limited to ceremonial flag-hoisting; it is reflected in daily actions and how citizens treat one another in society. “We should all prioritise civic sense, such as keeping our country clean, being polite, and driving safely. It’s important to care for those around us and look out for any wrongdoing in our communities. These are simple yet essential actions to start with.”
Addressing a pressing issue within the Indian entertainment industry, Sehban called for systemic reform regarding artists’ royalty rights, drawing a comparison with international models. “In the entertainment industry, many royalty rights are stripped from lyricists, writers, actors, and directors, primarily benefiting the producers and channels. I believe these rights should be reformed. For instance, the actors from ‘Friends’ still earn significant royalties years later, while many Indian shows and films benefit only the producers. I feel that needs to change.”
He also shared how his portrayal of Inspector Malhar Rane in the popular television show Tujhse Hai Raabta deepened his connection to regional heritage and traditions. “Personally, I haven’t played a character with deep cultural history, but my role as Malhar Rane in ‘Tujhse’ taught me a lot about Marathi culture.”
Highlighting the freedom fighters who inspire him most, Sehban spoke warmly. “When you think of freedom fighters, Bhagat Singh often comes to mind, but Ashfaqullah Khan also stands out for me. My mom once made a short film about him, where she played his aunt, and that’s how I became fascinated by his life and sacrifice for India’s freedom.”
“I’m also a big fan of Subhas Chandra Bose; his intriguing life suggests there’s still much we don’t know about him,” he ended.
