UNITY IN DIVERSITY
That’s what actors Anushka Sharma and Varun Dhawan call India’s big ‘strength’ as they come together for a photo shoot on Independence Day
They represent the ebullient and passionate youth of India. Probably that’s why, besides their fun and playful side, Anushka Sharma and Varun Dhawan — like the youngsters of the country — aren’t afraid to express their views openly about India, and their idea of freedom. Interestingly, in keeping with the theme of their new film, Sui Dhaaga — Made In India, the actors shot with the handmade tricolour that has been created by various artisans from different corners of India. “It’s our way of celebrating Indian craftsmanship which is famous the world over,” says Varun, while Anushka adds: “The chikankari thread-work (saffron) from Lucknow, kashida style (white) from Kashmir and phulkari needlework (green) from Punjab have been combined to create the flag.” The two actors chat about what independence means to them, and what Indians can do as individuals, as they shoot exclusively for us.
What does independence mean to you?
Varun: For me, it means freedom of thought, choice and making your own decisions. Woh bahut important ho gaya hai. You know, my niece was born a few weeks ago and it’s great to see that instead of telling her what’s right or wrong — like parents usually do — my brother and sister-inlaw are letting her understand things by herself. So, a child can choose what path she wants to walk on and what she wants to do in life. I feel that’s the true form of independence. Anushka: I agree. Kids are the future and if you raise them in the right way, you are adding value to the society because you have one more person whose thoughts are right. Ultimately, it’s the thoughts that have to be free of any kind of burden as that’s what pulls us down. To me, the idea of independence is to be free from things within me which pull me down and don’t allow me to reach my full potential and grow — not just as an actor but as a human being as well. Also, at the core of it all, is the fact that every human being is only looking to be free. That’s why it is such a big deal and so, all countries want to be independent.
Right now, the whole idea of freedom is being debated upon in the country even as we see incidents of lynching etc. Since you two represent the country’s youth, what’s your take? Varun: Obviously, it’s very
unnerving to hear of such things. No one wants their nation to be looked at in that manner. As a proud Indian citizen, I will fearlessly say that I am against such abhorrent deeds. At the same time, there are also a lot of good things, which happen in our country. Anushka: The way I look at it is that ultimately, what you do on a personal level has a lot of power. So, when it comes to me, I am a vegetarian and don’t eat meat. But at the same time, I am not going to force that ideology upon Varun or someone else.
Varun: Yes, you can’t curb someone’s freedom. Anushka: Like Varun said, you are, of course, saddened by such things. It’s not okay to take law and order in your hands in any part of the world. But what I do individually — as a human being — matters, and that sets an example and sets off a change of some kind. But change is very difficult; it’s the hardest thing when you try to create that change in yourself. But do it yourself, and when everyone decides to do it on their own, you will create a big movement. I find that the sanest way of leading my life.