Keeping the Indian tricolour close to her heart in the form of a dupatta, actor Sara Ali Khan, 28, represents the youth of India — aware, educated, confident — as we chat with her after an exclusive Independence Day photoshoot. “India is a democracy and the first step is recognizing that you should always have the freedom of choice. That, for me, is at the heart of independence. As a youth of this country, I want the freedom to choose what I want. I feel everyone’s opinion should be respected,” she says.

Ask if we, as a society, are there yet, or somewhere close even, and she responds, “I don’t think it (freedom of choice and opinion) is a destination; it is a journey. You can always grow and have more equality, more diversity and more respect.”

“Judgement,” says Khan, adding, “I am a female actor and I believe we have come a long way, but still have a long way to go. From judging women to actors, there’s always so much judgement in our country. I would like independence from these stereotypes.”

Khan will be seen essaying the role of a freedom fighter in the upcoming film Ae Watan Mere Watan. “I just finished shooting for the film. There are so many facets of our Indian history, especially the freedom struggle, which we don’t understand. It is not just the freedom fighters we may not know about, it was a generation of sacrifice, bravery and constant endeavour. It is not just one day. I feel 365 days are too less to celebrate and be thankful and grateful for what we have as a country today,” she ends.