Mumbai — Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan marked India’s 80th Independence Day with a heartfelt message, saying he feels proud of being an Indian and cherishes the sense of belonging that comes with being part of the country.
The actor took to Instagram on Saturday and shared an AI-tagged picture of himself dressed in a white Pathani suit. Alongside the image, he posted a detailed note reflecting on the many things that make India unique.
“A very Happy Independence Day to all.. There’s something special about being Indian…the colours, the contrasts, the beautiful differences, the spirit and above all, the feeling of belonging to something much bigger than ourselves…our Country,” Khan wrote.
He further urged people to appreciate what the country has achieved and contribute in their own way to its progress.
“May we always value what we have and do our little bit to make our country proud. Proud to be an Indian and love being one. Jai Hind,” he added.
The actor’s Independence Day message also carries a personal connection. Shah Rukh Khan has often spoken about his father, Meer Taj Mohammed Khan, describing him as a freedom fighter from Peshawar who was involved in the Indian independence movement and associated with the Indian National Congress.
Meer Taj Mohammed Khan was also involved in social and political activities in Peshawar before Partition. Following the Partition of India in 1947, the family moved to Delhi, where Shah Rukh Khan was later born and raised.
India is celebrating its 80th Independence Day on Saturday, marking eight decades since the country became free from British rule. The occasion is not only a tribute to those who fought for India’s freedom but also a moment to reflect on the country’s transformation since 1947.
Over the decades, India has built and strengthened its democratic institutions while making significant advances in education, science, technology, defence and economic development. The country has also emerged as a major global economy with an increasingly prominent role on the world stage.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation from the Red Fort on the occasion, outlining his vision of a developed and self-reliant India by 2047. His address touched upon Viksit Bharat 2047 and Sapta Dhara, along with themes including defence, energy, human capital, youth empowerment, self-reliance, tackling Naxalism, work culture and national unity.
For Khan, whose career has made him one of India’s most recognisable cultural figures around the world, the Independence Day message was also a reflection of the diverse identity of the country he has represented on the global stage for decades.
With inputs from IANS