Independence Day: Rakul Preet Singh, Raghav Juyal, Mona Singh: Actors recall childhood memories of celebrating I-Day
On Independence Day, as actors recall cherished moments, they celebrate not just the spirit of independence but also the simplicity and joy of their childhood.
On Independence Day today, actors fondly recall their childhood celebrations with a mix of nostalgia and pride. For many, these recollections are marked by the vibrant celebration of national pride and unity, often beginning with flag-hoisting ceremonies in school, where they sang patriotic songs and participated in cultural programs. As they reflect on these cherished moments, they celebrate not just the spirit of independence but also the simplicity and joy of their childhood.
Pankaj Tripathi
The Mirzapur actor shares, “Mujhe yaad hai, pitaji Independence Day par khadi ki topi aur khadi ke hi kapde pehena karte the. Woh bas usi din ke liye especially hua karta tha. Main bhi unse inspire hoke waisi hi khadi ki topi pehen liya karta tha. Gaon mein, school mein (Uchcha Madhyamik Vidhyalaya, Belsand village, Bihar) hum flag hoisting karte the aur phir jalebi mila karti thi. Phir cultural program hua karta tha jismein sab bhaag liya karte the (I remember that my father used to wear a khadi cap on Independence Day, and inspired by him, I also started wearing one for the celebrations. At school, after the flag-hoisting ceremony, we would enjoy jalebis. Following that, a cultural program would take place, and everyone would participate in it)." He adds: “The Independence Day celebrations at school and gram panchayat were massive in those days.”
Rakul Preet Singh
Rakul Preet Singh tells us that Independence Day has always been really special for her. “It was extremely especially for me. My dad was in the army. I remember how excited I was during school (alum of The Army Public School, Dhaula Kuan, Delhi) celebrations, taking part in those patriotic song competitions. It wasn’t just about the music—it was about that deep sense of pride and love for our country that I felt even as a kid. Those memories are still so close to my heart, and they remind me every day of what it means to truly love and respect India.”
Nawazuddin Siddiqui
Sharing that he would wake up early to participate in flag hoisting ceremonies, Siddique says, “I would engage in dramas and skits that portrayed the lives of freedom fighters. It was an enriching experience—it helped me understand and appreciate the sacrifices made for our freedom. Additionally, participating in Prabhat Pheris was a way to celebrate the spirit of independence and spread a sense of patriotism in our community.”
Fatima Sana Sheikh
Fatima Sana Sheikh shares, “I lived in an area where there were many small societies and stand alone buildings {in Mumbai}. Every building would hoist the flag and usually they would also have some snacks and drinks. So after the hoisting and singing the anthem all the kids of our building would go to other buildings and collect frooties and samosas and later go to the garden and have our own party.”
Mona Singh
Actor Mona Singh tells us that celebrating Independence Day with her friends at school (alum of Kendriya Vidyalaya Vayusena Nagar, Nagpur) was always very special. “I remember the excitement of flag-hoisting ceremonies and patriotic songs. We often took part in performances and skits that celebrated our country’s history. It was a joyful time to reflect on our shared heritage and celebrate our freedom.”
Raghav Juyal
Recalling his childhood memory of waiting to get “laddoo and Fruti” at school, Juyal tells us, “We would receive laddoo and Frutis in school [in Dehradun] on Independence Dayand those are some of my most cherished memories. The early dismissal made the day even more special. To us, that early end to school felt like a taste of true freedom—Bacche bhi swatantra feel karte the school se aur padhayi se.”
Alaya F
Actor Alaya F shares, “Every Independence Day we would go to school [alum of Jamnabai Narsee School, Mumbai] and proudly watch the tricolour being hoisted. There was always such a powerful feeling of patriotism and togetherness, and having grown up with that feeling year after year, it has been truly special.”