What is it that fills your eyes with patriotic tearsIJ Is it when a fellow Indian is conferred with a prestigious international awardIJ Or do you, like Amitabh Bachchan, get goosebumps on singing the National AnthemIJ Deebashree Mohanty speaks with celebs who tell her that being Indian is an emotion beyond words
Juhi Chawla,
Actor
The patriotic bug bites me every time there is a national celebration. I just love it when the National Anthem is sung at the Republic Day parade. I get goosebumps each time I hear it being sung by a group — that is the ultimate sign of unity in diversity for me. Apart from this, my patriotic verve is at its peak when I watch our Indian cricket team win international tournaments. With the World Cup round the corner, I wish my team does India proud. When they defeat Pakistan, I shall be singing Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani....
Arshad Warsi,
Actor
I feel most patriotic when I see an Indian actor outperform international artists in a movie or a play. It was a great honour when AR Rahman and Kailash Satyarthi walked away with an award of highest recognition. How proud their parents must be. I too want to make my country proud in some way. It is very difficult (almost impossible, I dare say) for me to win a Nobel but I am going to work hard in my field and try to be a better human being.
I am not a great lover of epic movies like Mother India but I enjoy old patriotic songs, aye mere watan ke logon being my favourite. We don’t have a better composition than this.
Jacqueline Fernandez,
Actor
When we launch campaigns like anti-corruption, Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan, polio free day etc, and we acheive success in them, it makes me proud to be an Indian. We have a lot of good qualities but somehow we let the demon inside overpower us into doing undesirable things like dirtying roads or cheating people. I wish people stop doing that.
I love watching documentaries on India which highlight our achievements (however small they may be) rather than showing the sufferings all around. There is a different, very bright and very happy India and very few people have shown that on screen. I hope filmmakers are listening. Make a movie on India shining and see the response. My advice for fellow Indians would be to stop belittling India and going away in lure of better prospects. There is much in here to explore. When we achieve this, I shall feel truly patriotic.
Arko mukherjee,
Singer & composer
Indians have made a mark worldwide. They have won hearts in India and abroad. And each time an Indian is honoured, I feel proud . It feels good to know that efforts of fellow Indians are being serenaded.
Apart from the National Anthem, it is the multiple versions of Vande Mataram that make me feel patriotic. What is a huge turn offIJ When I see people misbehaving with women and treating national property with disdain.
Ankit tiwari,
Model-turned-actor
What heightens my patriotism is when I see people around me helping fellow countrymen selflessly and without expectation of returns. That shows that humanity is still not dead and gone. If we can do it once, we can do it again and again. I also like watching films based on ‘My India is great’ theme.
Raveena Tandon,
Actor & Chat Host
I feel most patriotic when I hear people living overseas speak in our national language. Even if you dont know them, you automatically sense a connection. It gives you a feeling of belonging. You just start talking about the common factors of your country and feel good about it.
Mohit Marwah
Actor
The Prime Minister recently launched the Swachh Bharat campaign to keep India clean. When I see people dirtying roads it upsets me. It is our responsibility to ensure that our city stays clean. This will be a great way to show our patriotism. I am not too much driven by patriotic movies but I liked the message that lagaan gave out. It was nice take on a serious issue.