Straight Answers

<div class="section1"><div class="Normal"><span style="" font-weight:="" bold="">Mahesh Bhatt</span>, film-maker on what independence means to him<br /><br /><span style="" font-weight:="" bold="">What significance does Independence Day hold for you?</span><br /><br />Frankly, it is just a concept and just another day off from work in a long list of holidays.After 56 years of Independence, economic disparity has increased manifold. I live in a 21st century house with modern amenities while the dhobi lights a lantern and doesn’t have access to clean water, primary education and decent clothing.<br /><br /><span style="" font-weight:="" bold="">Isn’t that a dark way of looking at things?</span><br /><br />Maybe, but in my view, it is a realistic way of looking at things. We are a nation of a billion-plus people, but are we an economic power? The big daddies of the world call the shots even as the common man here is not even aware of the freedom he is entitled to. We can sing any number of film songs, but the reality is that, in this country, there are too many who have too little while some have too much. There has to be a balance.<br /><br /><span style="" font-weight:="" bold="">What does freedom mean to you?</span><br /><br />Right from the day when I became aware of myself, my mother told me that I was free. Today, I am 54 and have more or less done what I wanted to. Still, I feel that I am not a free soul. <br /><br /><span style="" font-weight:="" bold="">How then does one instil the spirit of freedom?</span><br /><br />We must appreciate that we secured our independence after years of struggle. Only those of us who realise this will not take freedom for granted.<br /><br /><span style="" font-weight:="" bold="">What message do you have for Indians today?</span><br /><br />Kindle the spirit of freedom within you. As for myself, I am ready for everything to be taken away from me if, in return, naked bodies can be clothed and hungry stomachs fed.</div> </div>