It's important to embrace our power, identity as Indians

On Republic Day today, R. Madhavan reflects on how the meaning of this day has changed for him over time. The actor shares: "As a child, R-day was simply a holiday. There was nothing to be done that day, and nobody forced us to do anything. And so, one way of giving back at the time was to just go and sing the national anthem, standing in attention, and somehow feeling that you've contributed in paying homage to the multiple people who bravely gave up their lives for the country. That is probably the extent to which Republic Day had relevance in our lives back then."

- Mugdha Kapoor

However, now, the meaning has become different. "As you grow older, you realise how many people have made sacrifices [for the country], and you want to do your bit," shares the actor who starred in Rang De Basanti (2006), one of the most celebrated classics centered around Indian freedom fighters.