Actor Kartik Aaryan is the man of the moment, and he has the youth of the country hanging on to his every word. When we take him to Juhu beach, Mumbai, for this exclusive shoot, a crowd gathers in no time. But the Tricolour has all his attention! As we celebrate the 75th year of India’s independence, the 31-year-old gets talking to us about freedom. Excerpts:

I remember the flag hoisting ceremonies in school, special programmes, waiting for laddoos, listening to patriotic songs... But when you learn more of the history, it gets more real. The idea of it then shifted from a fun holiday to a sense of responsibility and gratitude for those who made it possible. There’s also immense love for Bharat Mata — a feeling that exists everyday, but gets super special on I-Day. A few years ago, I was invited to my old school in Gwalior as a chief guest for flag hoisting. It was a special feeling, with nostalgia and so much love from students. It felt like life came full circle for me.

Opportunity! I feel the youth in India, which has the highest youth population in the world, is brimming with potential and advanced skills. They’re hardworking to the core, always looking for opportunities to soar, aspiring for a better life. With the right opportunities, there is nothing that we as Young India can’t do.

I don’t know if we can say ‘freedom’ from it, but what needs to be erased is the pressure on young minds. The stream they should pick, the profession they should opt for... often, these decisions are not made by the kids but by their family. Such pressure isn’t healthy for their mental state.

I wouldn’t say it takes away from my freedom. I am still being myself there. But yes, one must be conscious of what you say there, whether a star or not. Social media has the power to influence the people who follow you. Think twice before you speak.

HT city wishes our readers a happy independence day