“The Tricolour instills in you a sense of such great pride, no matter what the platform,” are the first few words that actor Shahid Kapur says on Republic Day today.

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“As a kid, I’d always associated the day with a holiday, attending the flag hoisting ceremony in school, listening to patriotic songs and catching up on the parades early morning on television. I still remember the kind of drive and zest  we would be filled with while watching patriotic films like Shaheed,” he reveals, admitting however, that it’s only over the years that the true importance of the day has sunk in.

“As a kid, one of my dreams was to join the Defence forces. And I'd would spend hours imagining it too,” he recalls. Incidentally, that’s what he will be seen playing in his father Pankaj Kapur’s directorial debut Mausam too. “Yes, I play an air force pilot in the film. And it feels like I am living my dream,” he confirms.

He reveals that interacting with the men of the Defence forces too has changed his perspective. “We may be heroes on screen, but these guys are the real heroes in life. Once you peep into their world, that is when you discover what words like ‘patriotism’ and ‘selfless love’ for country truly means. They are the ones who live and die for their country, and I think today is a good day to take some time off and salute to their spirit. A good way to do this is also to do our own bit sincerely.”

Shahid also does agree that among several other things, it is sports and the Indian film industry that’s put India high on a pedestal globally.  “To be recognised as an Indian internationally is a matter of great pride for me,” he adds.

Shahid feels that India’s real strength lies in the power of its youth. “We are both the upholders and the custodians of our country’s dreams and hopes. And it’s about time that the youth start recognising and taking the responsibility for this power,” he says.