Republic Day 2023: Himanshi Khurana, Ali Merchant, Shefali Sharma share fondest childhood memories of the day

(Pics coutesy: PR)

Every year on January 26, we Indians celebrate Republic Day with great fervour and pride. The day which marks the end of British rule and the establishment of India as a Republic and independent state, Republic Day is a celebration of our country's unity, integrity and cultural diversity. While attending the flag-hoisting ceremonies and dancing to patriotic songs at school functions is something that we all have done on Republic Day as a child, watching the grand parade at Rajpath, now known as Kartvya Path, on Doordarshan still remains one of the best R-day rituals for most of us till date. As India celebrates its 74th Republic Day today, we got in touch with some of the popular faces of the small screen, who spoke about what the day means to them, their childhood memories related to Republic Day and more...

"Republic Day holds lots of importance in terms of history and significance. This is one of the most noteworthy days in our nation as we marked ourselves as a Republic state. And for me, this day comes with lots of enthusiasm and respect towards those who gave their whole and soul to make our constitution," says 'Bigg Boss 13' fame Himanshi Khurana when asked about what Republic Day means to her.

"Republic Day means the day on which the Constitution of India came into effect, thus turning the nation into a republican nation after getting free from the British Raj. So it means freedom, democracy, and that we have our own motherland. That feeling is beyond words to describe," asserts actor Shefali Sharma who was last seen in the popular TV series, 'Sanjog'.

Whereas for actor and a popular DJ, Ali Merchant, Republic Day is all about remembering those who laid the foundation of our constitution, he says, "It is a day to pay tribute to those who brought up such a promising constitution for our nation."

When asked Himanshi about her fondest childhood memories of Republic Day, the 'Gallan Bholiyan' singer, replied, "Republic Day used to be something different when I was a kid. We used to be excited about the tri-colour decorations, flag hoisting at school, and watching the parade with the family. It was a different experience and an experience that's only in our memories now."

Shefali on the other hand, recalls the time when she visited Bagah Border. "One of the years in my school, we were all taken to the Wagah border to watch the parade and meet our real heroes," shares Shefali.

Also Read: Republic Day: Sudhanshu Pandey shares memories from Army school

"Attending flag hoisting ceremony and paying tribute to the nation as a child, also it was more about wearing the flag and showing how proud we are as Indians and how much we love our country. Going to school on this day used to be so much fun," says Ali as he remembers his fondest memories of Republic Day celebrations.

When asked Himanshi what is her all-time favourite patriotic song, pat comes her reply, "Yeh Desh Hai Veer Jawanon Ka from the movie Naya Daur". "Vande Mataram by Rahman (AR Rahman) sir", reveals Ali when asked him about his favourite song.

Unlike Himanshi and Ali, Shefali doesn't have one but two favourite songs. The actor who is best known for her hit TV series, 'Bani', says, "I have two favourite patriotic songs, Aye Mere Watan Ke Logon and Yeh Desh Hai Veer Jawanon Ka."