Arjun Bijlani on India's 80th Independence Day: 'Never take freedom for granted'
Synopsis
With India marking its 80th Independence Day, actor Arjun Bijlani went beyond the usual celebratory script — calling out performative patriotism and naming Bhagat Singh as his defining inspiration. His message: freedom is earned daily through responsibility and kindness, not just a flag post on social media.
Key Takeaways
Arjun Bijlani shared his Independence Day reflections ahead of India’s 80th Independence Day on 15 August 2026 .
He described patriotism as ‘much more than posting a flag’, linking it to civic responsibility and everyday kindness.
Bhagat Singh is the freedom fighter Bijlani cited as his deepest inspiration, praising his courage and conviction at a young age.
His public message urged Indians to ‘never take freedom for granted’ and to contribute positively to society.
India marks 79 years of independence from British rule in 1947 with this year’s celebrations.
Actor Arjun Bijlani has spoken candidly about the deeper meaning of Independence Day, urging Indians to move beyond symbolic gestures and honour the sacrifices of those who fought for the nation's freedom. His remarks come ahead of India's 80th Independence Day on 15 August 2026, marking 79 years since independence from British rule in 1947.
On Patriotism Beyond Symbolism
The Naagin actor was direct in challenging what he sees as performative patriotism. Bijlani said, “I think patriotism is much more than posting a flag or sharing a patriotic song for one day. It’s about respecting our country, following our responsibilities, being kind to people around us and contributing positively to society.”
The statement reflects a sentiment increasingly voiced ahead of national holidays — that civic responsibility matters more than social media expression. Notably, Bijlani’s framing connects everyday conduct to the larger idea of freedom, rather than confining it to ceremonial occasions.
The Freedom Fighter Who Inspires Him
When asked which freedom fighter had left the deepest impression on him, Bijlani named Bhagat Singh without hesitation. “His courage, conviction and willingness to sacrifice everything for the country at such a young age is incredibly inspiring,” he said.
“What stands out for me is that he didn’t just dream of freedom — he was ready to stand up and fight for what he believed in,” Bijlani added. Bhagat Singh, executed in 1931 at the age of 23, remains one of the most widely cited icons of India’s independence movement, particularly among younger generations.
His Message Ahead of Independence Day
Bijlani also shared a message for the public as the country prepares to mark the milestone. “My message would simply be to never take our freedom for granted. Let’s respect the people who fought for it and do our bit to make our country better. Be responsible, be kind, respect each other and always remember that every small positive action counts,” he said.
The host-actor, known for his work across television and reality programming, has consistently used public platforms to speak on civic themes. His remarks this year arrive as India’s 80th Independence Day draws wide cultural reflection on the country’s journey since 1947.
Independence Day 2026: A Milestone Moment
India’s 80th Independence Day on 15 August 2026 is being observed as a significant national milestone. The occasion has prompted voices from across public life — politics, sport, and entertainment — to reflect on what freedom means in contemporary India. For Bijlani, the answer lies not in grand declarations but in “every small positive action.”
Point of View
But they point to a broader cultural fatigue with hollow Independence Day rituals — flag emojis, viral reels, and one-day nationalism. The more interesting signal is how consistently Bhagat Singh dominates celebrity inspiration lists over Mahatma Gandhi or Nehru, reflecting a generational shift in which icons resonate. Entertainment figures rarely attract scrutiny for such statements, but the gap between celebrity messaging and actual civic engagement is worth noting. ‘Every small positive action counts’ is easy to say; what those actions look like in practice is the question mainstream coverage never asks.
NationPress
13 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Arjun Bijlani say about Independence Day 2026?
Arjun Bijlani said Independence Day is not just a celebration but an opportunity to honour those who sacrificed for the nation. He urged Indians to never take freedom for granted and to contribute positively to society through responsibility and kindness.
Which freedom fighter inspires Arjun Bijlani the most?
Bijlani named Bhagat Singh as the freedom fighter who has left the deepest impression on him. He cited Singh’s courage, conviction, and willingness to sacrifice everything for the country at a young age as particularly inspiring.
What is Arjun Bijlani’s message on patriotism?
Bijlani said patriotism goes beyond posting a flag or sharing a patriotic song for one day. He defined it as respecting the country, fulfilling civic responsibilities, being kind to others, and contributing positively to society.
When is India’s 80th Independence Day?
India’s 80th Independence Day falls on 15 August 2026, marking 79 years since the country gained independence from British rule in 1947.
Who is Arjun Bijlani?
Arjun Bijlani is an Indian television actor and host, widely known for his role in the popular series Naagin. He is a prominent face in Hindi television and has hosted several reality programmes.
