Celebrities talk about Independence Day
“If you really want to demonstrate your love for the country then show it by giving something of yourself to your countrymen, by changing yourselves and your environment just a little, by creating something wonderful that will help Pakistan grow.”
Pakistan has been suffering for quite a while and whenever we seem to have lost all hope for the nation we are reminded on the 14th of August of the purpose and dream on which this nation was built.
This year DNA talked to some of your favourite celebrities and found out what they love about this nation.
Munib Nawaz, Fashion Designer
“The people of Pakistan have to make it what we intended it to be.”
14 August 2016 plans: Thinking of taking my family out for a little museum visit.
Childhood memories associated with the Independence Day: typically decorating the flag around our house and car also proudly wearing the badges to school.
Hopes and dreams for the country: There are 200 million stories each day that make up Pakistan. Let’s make them happy stories. Let’s make Pakistan a place that unites us under more reasons than those that divide us. My dream for Pakistan is a place where Islam is used for peace instead of terrorism, where politicians are used for public service instead of the public serving them, where our national resources are used for the improvement of the public instead of public representatives, where other people’s moralities are not discussed on nationwide television but their good deeds. I dream of a Pakistan where Pakistan is the priority and responsibility of its people.
Samra Khan, Coke Studio Singer
“Be grateful for our homeland and try to make it a better place every day, in whatever big or small way possible.”
Plans: I will be dressing up in white and green. Since we live in Dubai we will be decorating our place with green buntings and lights because I want my daughter to feel the independence spirit as much as possible.
Childhood Memories: Whenever I listen to songs like ‘Sohni Dharti’ or ‘Dil Dil Pakistan’, it takes me back to my childhood. Our excitement to go buy decorations for the house, setting up our terrace, showing off how tall our flag was mounted on the roof, wearing that special green flag badge throughout the week at school, collecting stamps and stickers, Ah! Simpler days!
Hopes and Dreams: I hope and dream of a peaceful Pakistan and that the world sees our country as more of its goodness than the negative side.
“I used to dream for Pakistan but I no longer do so. Instead I am too busy staying awake and making those dreams a reality.”
Ali Rehman, Actor
“A place is only as good as the people that live in it.”
Plans: I will be promoting Janaan in Dubai celebrating Pakistan and Pakistani Cinema.
Childhood Memories: The Independence Day march and the jets flying over the city leaving behind loud sonic booms.
Hopes and Dreams: Pakistan is one of the greatest countries in the world and I wish to see it prosper. I wish to see tourism grow and for the world to come and experience the beauty of our country.
Armeena Khan, Actress
“If you really want to demonstrate your love for the country then show it by giving something of yourself to your countrymen, by changing yourselves and your environment just a little, by creating something wonderful that will help Pakistan grow. Above all else I want you to promise me that you will stay safe and the morning of the 15th is happy for your families.”
Plans: I will be promoting my film Janaan.
Childhood Memories: I distinctly remember the Aeroplanes and Air Shows, uniforms and parades and of course crowds and flags. I remember a lot of energy and people being happy, celebrating, car horns and lots of colours.
Hopes and Dreams: I used to dream for Pakistan but I no longer do so. Instead, I am too busy staying awake and making those dreams a reality. In my own little way, I am helping contribute to the economy, helping to create a better quality of the cultural product for export and I’m actively helping to change the image and brand for Pakistan on the International stage. Along with my fellow actors and actresses, we are making these come true. Dreamtime is over its work time, folks.
Through the course of my work the people of Pakistan have exasperated me, frustrated me, laughed and cried with me but above all, they have never failed to surprise me. There is a power that sleeps here in the hearts of these people. It is immensely creative, romantic, resilient, expedient, and restless and it will shake the world when it awakes. I have seen the People at their best with my own eyes. They overcome obstacles, they get up after being knocked down, and they keep going and invent beautiful solutions all the time. If we could get the obstacles out of their way then just watch this country grow. The people are unstoppable.
Bilal Khan, Singer
“Let us all become concerned citizens and question everything around us with an open mind. The only way forward is through being smarter and evolving as individuals.”
Plans: I’ll be performing a concert in Seoul, South Korea on 14 August.
Childhood Memories: Putting a really big flag up a few days before and watching TV early morning with all those Jashan e Azadi adverts were some of my favourite things on the Independence Day.
Hopes and Dreams: To see a country where children feel safe and hopeful about their future.
Mohsin Naveed Ranjah, Fashion Designer
“It saddens me to see our flags being crushed on the roads beneath us after the Independence Day”
Plans: Will wake up early on 14 August to watch the Independence Day parade. It gives me goosebumps every time.
Childhood Memories: The small flag badges, flag strips and flags all over my house and city typically remind me of my childhood.
Hopes and Dreams: I believe we have a very bright future ahead of us; I have to wear sunshades.
Faran Tahir, Actor
“Let’s all genuinely work for peace and mutual respect. Let’s stand up against injustice against anyone and everyone. Let’s show kindness, understanding and respect for every soul on earth.”
Plans: No specific plans for the 14th. That’s one drawback of living abroad. If I was in Pakistan would have spent it with family.
Childhood Memories: Noor Jehan’s Qaumi songs.
Hopes and Dreams: That we can get over divisiveness and truly appreciate each other beyond sectarian, provisional and class lines.
Originally published in Pakistan Today
