Dressed in traditional Maharashtrian attire – a dhoti, kurta and jacket – Shreyas Talpade was excited about celebrating Maharashtra Day at Hutatma Smarak Chowk (Martyrs’ Memorial Square) with us. The actor spoke to us about what Maharashtra Day means to him and how his identity is intertwined with the state. “Maharashtra is home. My entire identity is what the state is,” he said, adding, “As a Maharashtrian, I feel that this is a place which will give you everything you want. That’s why it’s a huge honour to be at the smarak of Hutatma Chowk. It’s because of them (the martyrs) and their sacrifice that we are seeing this day, and we have a place of our own – Maharashtra.”

He recalled frequenting the place when he was young without realizing much about its significance. He said, “When you are younger, you are so involved in your own life that you hardly take note of these important things.”

Shreyas said, “It’s only at a later stage that you start understanding the significance of days like this and feel respect towards it. Also, back then, we didn’t have smartphones to click pictures, so this time, I’m quite excited to mark the moment today with pictures”

The actor, who came into the spotlight as a specially-abled cricketer in Iqbal (2005), also credited Mumbai for inspiring him, rescuing him and giving him a sense of direction and hope in life. Calling the city his home, he shared, “It was Mumbai that came to my rescue when I got an opportunity out of the blue that changed my life, just like how every Friday changes an actor’s fate in our film industry. The city’s vibrancy gives you a lot of faith to achieve the impossible. I feel Mumbai does that for you. It’s a city of hope; people come here and achieve their dreams.”

Shreyas feels that Maharashtra is one of the most accepting, generous, and accommodating states – a quality that percolates every city in the state, especially Mumbai. He said, “It has something for everyone and accommodates everyone across the map. It’s an example of perfect co-existence and harmony. Here everyone has one identity – a Mumbaikar.”

He added, “I have travelled across the globe, but jo Mumbai ki feel hai, woh kahin nahi hai. Also, the city is safe, and the people here are non-judgmental and don’t discriminate. I want to urge people to respect the city. Mumbai agar aap ko itna kuchh de rahi hai toh aapka bhi farz banta hai ki aap bhi isko achha do, saaf rakho.”

Hutatma Chowk commemorates the sacrifice of the members of Samyukta Maharashtra Samiti, who were killed in a police firing during their peaceful protest for the establishment of Maharashtra state in 1956. Their sacrifice proved to be an impetus for the creation of Maharashtra on May 1, 1960.

Shreyas says, “Maharashtra was formed on May 1, 1960, but most think it was formed when India got independence. I feel parents should educate and inform their kids about the importance of these days and not take it as something they will read about in their syllabus and look away.”