Has the spirit of one of the most important dates in Indian history changed today? Does Independence day lose its relevance for the citizens of today? Is patriotism only about buying a tricolour and sticking it in your car?

We asked some of our celebs what the day meant to them and what it means to them now.

Celebration then and now:

As children we were quite upbeat about Independence Day. I hail from Kolkata and there it’s a special day for the youth and kids. We used to fly tri-coloured kites in groups and trust me it was fun. The mere feeling of watching the national flag being hoisted filled our chest with pride and honour. I used to hoist flags on our cars.

The last two years in Mumbai has been a quiet affair for me. Who celebrates it here? Neither me nor you.

Difference then and now: It was a big celebration then. We used to read about our leaders in our history books.

Now it is like a day off from the busy schedule. I just relax and watch some patriotic movies that air on different channels on TV.

Celebration then and now: As a kid it was more of a customary thing and time to celebrate. We used to participate in the school March Past and Flag hoisting and the major attraction were the cream biscuits and chocolates that the school distributed. During college I honestly don’t remember attending the Independence Day functions. Talking about the present we have a flag hoisting ceremony at our building and all the 32 members of the building come down for the ceremony at 9 am in the morning.

I feel so proud to be an Indian and I acknowledge the efforts of all the NRIs who have made the country proud internationally. I shout at people who do not stand up when our National Anthem is played in theaters. Even my boyfriend Murli feels very strongly about this.

Also I feel for the kids who sell our national flags. I want to do something for them so I get them Bhelpuri or Wada-pav. We need to learn a lesson from these kids who get drenched in the rain but protect the flags by keeping them under plastic sheets. I salute this spirit of India.

Difference now and then:

I think Indians now have become more patriotic. You get to witness the strength and unity of Indians during the times of crisis like bomb-blasts, floods, etc. Indian talent is getting recognition internationally. One more thing that I really like about us is that we haven’t aped our western counterparts by wearing national flags, printed vests or bandanas. I think we all need to sit back and salute our countrymen who have laid down their lives for us.

Celebration then and now: As a kid it was about getting a holiday on Independence Day. One had to go to schools for the flag hoisting and the national anthem. But now it’s all about work and shoot. I have to shoot tomorrow which is going to keep me busy.

Difference now and then: One was more disciplined then but now youare caught up in the hustle-bustle of the city and your haywire schedule. As an individual I can’t bring in a reformation but I do feel for the causes and crises like bomb-blasts and illiteracy. I strongly feel that the root cause of all social issues is illiteracy. I try and attend functions organised by various social groups who work for the causes of women, children and other affected sections of society whenever time permits. I would have loved to do it tomorrow as well.

Celebration then and now: As a kid it was about participating in the school March Past and flag hoisting. I was the captain in school and I always looked forward to participate in the March Past. It was fun as it was a holiday. I used to play football and cricket after getting back home. Now work keeps me busy.

Difference now and then: Independence Day is as special to me now as it was when I was a kid. It would sound very clichéd but I am a hardcore Indian and I am proud of our cultural diversity. And why just this day one should be proud of our country all 365 days.