What does freedom mean to you? On this Independence Day, directors and actors share with us the varied definitions of freedom in their personal and professional life. From censorship, tolerance and personal expression to respecting rules and conforming to non-violence, here are a few ways in which celebrities enjoy their freedom
Aadhi, actor
Film fraternity is aware of our duties and responsibilities. Udta Punjab’s censorship issue brought together the film fraternity who vote for freedom of expression. As any other artiste, I also believe that the artistic expression and creative freedom should not be curbed as the audience always have the right to make informed decisions. But I insist that there should be a proper guideline for film certification. Certification Board needs a revamp. If a director wants to make a film on political issues, he must have the freedom. Films should raise above and not remain vulnerable to an individual’s misunderstandings. Censor Board should be receptive to change and should certify films from the point of view for its overall impact!
Aftab Shivdasani, actor
Freedom and democracy for me is when people can live together in harmony regardless of what they believe and what faith they follow. It rests on respecting other opinions and lifestyles. Do not try and impose beliefs through force or power. It’s a state of mind where people have the genuine freedom to follow their hearts without fear. I would want the children to follow the same. Live and let live!
Arun Vijay, actor
Art can survive only where there’s enough tolerance. Any creative person has to be given freedom. While TV channels and social media are not censored, why are movies always the target? We’re fighting the Censor Board with every film. Exhibition of movies are included in the fundamental right of freedom of expression, guaranteed by the Constitution of India. An actor has to think on various levels before signing a film.I am not saying Censor Board is doing a bad job. But there has to be a proper guideline, which has to be followed everywhere, because none of us really know on what basis the films are being certified! Each state has its own supplementary rules of censorship.
Anu Hasan, actor-cum- entrepreneur
I can only speak as an actor! In my experience, the lack of freedom exists more in the choice of characters than in the execution. I also believe that there is only so much freedom that the actor can exercise as the director is in a better position to judge what works and what doesn’t. Many times our ability to understand the nuances of the character defines how much freedom we are given. I have been fortunate to have managed to understand what the director wanted and as a result have enjoyed a fair amount of freedom in the way I chose to represent the character.
Jimmy Shergill, actor
When I was in school, 97% of students attempted to join the armed forces. I was sad because I tried but I could not qualify. Today, wherever I go, everybody wants to either become a singer or an actor. I wonder who is going to fight for the country after 10 years? If it was 97% then, now at least 30-40% should be enthusiastic about joining the forces. More students should come forward to join the Air Force as pilots or enrol in the army. I wish I could campaign for this. I have portrayed a lot of characters who are in the armed forces. I really want kids to start thinking about joining the forces after completing Class 10.
Khushbu Sundar, actor-politician
To me freedom is the way I want to live and tell proudly that I am an Indian. Filmmakers have been targeted to a large extent for speaking their mind and some movies didn’t see the light. You feel bound on every level, not knowing what will happen next. We have reached a stage where expressing a different point of view is resented. Freedom of expression is still under threat here. I don’t understand why the Censor Board censors a film! Their job is not to censor but to certify content for public viewing. Though our tradition and constitution preaches tolerance, are we a tolerant society?
Lakshmy Ramakrishnan, filmmaker
As a director, I always believe in freedom of expression and choice. But it’s all about interpretation. When I say this, I’m not hinting that Censor Board acts as a hindrance. But as a public figure, when you present a movie to the audience, you have certain responsibilities to fulfill because films impact the society to a great extent. I believe we live in the most tolerant country. Ten years ago, films like Joker were a rarity. But now, everyone is talking high of such films, which openly criticise about how the government functions. As a society, we are definitely evolving.
Abhay Deol, actor
I don’t think violence has ever solved anything. There’s a tendency to violently protect your identity, beliefs and religion when you are offended, but you will be met with more violence. We have to be more tolerant, and if you get offended by the word tolerance, then maybe, replace it with compassion. I am not one to scream about being nationalistic from the rooftops, I am very proud of my culture for sure. I have travelled the world and we are some of the most hospitable people on this planet. Humanity is important. We are all human beings at the end of the day.
Boman Irani, actor
India’s freedom came with the highest sacrifice and struggle. Enjoying that should come at a price. We aren’t exempted because we were born in another era. Celebrate your freedom with the basics like driving in your lane, and keeping the environment clean. You don’t have to be in the foreign service to be ambassador of India.
(With inputs from Dinesh Raheja & Ami Sheth)