Taali fame Sheetal Kale on India’s 79th Independence Day, says, “True Independence is when every person can live with dignity, equality, and the liberty to be themselves”

MUMBAI: Actress Sheetal Kale, who played the role of Nargis Sushmita Sen’s best friend in the acclaimed series Taali, shares her heartfelt thoughts on what freedom truly means and how India has evolved over the decades.

Speaking about the essence of independence, Sheetal says,“An Indian citizen should have the right to live in complete freedom, without being restricted by language, clothing, or region. Whether one is in Mumbai, Delhi, or anywhere in the South, this freedom should be the same for all. No one should be judged based on the language they speak or the attire they wear. Equally important is the right to practice and follow one’s own religion without fear. In a country as diverse as ours, this freedom should be celebrated and protected it’s the very spirit of India. True independence is when every person can live with dignity, equality, and the liberty to be themselves.”

When it comes to patriotic cinema, Lagaan holds a special place in her heart,”Just like in the film, the British were collecting four times the usual taxes. The villagers, who had never played cricket before, came together, formed a team, and took on the challenge. The way it was portrayed was remarkable it was more than a great film; it was a story about freedom. When they won, I felt this overwhelming sense of happiness, as if I had experienced that liberation myself. It made me feel free.”

Reflecting on India’s growth over the past 78 years, Sheetal acknowledges the progress while also emphasizing areas of improvement, “India has made remarkable progress in recent years, and there is much to be proud of. But we can still grow further in employment, infrastructure, and education. More jobs and better facilities will strengthen our economy and reduce poverty. While we have some major metro cities, developing our villages into modern towns can create equal opportunities for all. Those who have seen the world know the possibilities ahead for us, and with consistent effort, India will continue to shine.”

This Independence Day, Sheetal Kale’s words remind us that freedom is not just a constitutional right it’s a way of life that embraces diversity, equality, and unity for all.