Actor Akshay Nalawade, currently seen in Shiv Shakti – Taap Tyag Tandav, believes that the true spirit of Independence Day goes far beyond one day of celebration. For him, patriotism is not just about waving the flag or posting patriotic messages online—it’s about the values we uphold in our daily lives.
“Honestly, I feel that for many people today, Independence Day has become more about a holiday or posting something on social media,” Akshay shares. “While there’s nothing wrong with expressing patriotism online, it should go beyond that. True patriotism is about how we live every day—whether we’re honest in our work, respectful to others, and mindful of our responsibilities as citizens. If we truly want to honour Independence Day, we should remember the struggles of our freedom fighters and contribute in our own small ways to make India better.”
Among India’s many great leaders, Akshay finds his deepest inspiration in Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. “His role in uniting India after independence shows incredible vision, leadership, and selflessness,” he says. “He proved that unity is our biggest strength and that real leadership is about putting the country before yourself. His determination inspires me to believe that with the right mindset, we can overcome even the biggest challenges.”
With the nation marking its 79th Independence Day, Akshay’s message to fellow Indians is heartfelt and clear: “Be proud of your country every day, not just on 15th August. Let’s respect our nation through our actions, by being responsible, kind, and united. Small changes in our own behaviour can lead to a bigger change for the country. Jai Hind!”