VARUN, ALIA IN THE DESI SPIRIT

On Republic Day today, Alia Bhatt and Varun Dhawan tell us the best thing about being Indian

Republic Day signifies a lot of pride in every Indian’s heart, including mine. I am very proud of my country VARUN DHAWAN, ACTOR

Actors Alia Bhatt and Varun Dhawan talk about what being and Indian means to them, during an exclusive interview for Republic Day.

What does Republic Day signify for you? Varun: Republic Day signifies a lot of pride in every Indian’s heart, including mine. I am very proud of my country, which has been doing so well in the last few years. It has galloped ahead, yet we’ve kept our Indianness intact. It’s day to celebrate our Indianness. Alia: This is the day when our constitution came into force. So, the day is all about celebrating that and India as a Republic.

The earliest memories of the Republic Day… Alia: My earliest memory of the Republic Day is the flag hoisting ceremony in school. I was one of the students who never missed it. And the reason was that I would sing in the choir. Varun: I remember my dad would buy a lot of flags and they would be proudly put up in all the cars. Even when I would go to school, I would carry a flag. The fondest memory that I have is drawing the tricolour on my own in arts and craft classes with crayons.

What’s the best thing about being an Indian? Alia: One of the best things is diversity in our country. Every state is like a new country. Be it Punjab, Rajasthan, Kerala or Tamil Nadu, despite the diversity, we are still one. It is, ‘together we stand, divided we fall.’ We have always lived with that ethos. Varun: I feel there are right and wrong things to do and then there is an ‘Indian thing to do’. At times, we can show kindness to even our enemies. And that’s how large hearted Indians have always been. And we have proved that throughout our history. And it shouldn’t be looked upon as our weakness.

PHOTO: SATISH BATE /HT