I am very proud to be an Indian because we have such a rich culture and rich values. India is one of the oldest civilisations. Besides, we are doing so well for ourselves. The GDP is so high. We are inching our way to becoming a superpower.

I am patriotic primarily because I come from a defence background. I think if you come from a defence background, you automatically have a very strong sense of patriotism. You see your family go to the border and fight wars.

I love the food, the culture the togetherness, the warmth here.

Only in India, you can walk up to a friend’s place and say to your friend's mother -- ‘Hello aunty, I’ve come to eat!’ You don’t have to make appointments. Everyone is so warm here. Abroad, people aren’t like this.

I only wish that we Indians had good civic sense. I wish people did not litter so much. I wish we could keep our country clean. Bad civic sense is the only thing I am really ashamed of.

I am usually working on Independence Day. But when it is a holiday, it is a very relaxed day. I grab a movie or catch up on housework.

It is not like Republic Day where you can watch the parade in the morning. Republic Day has this schedule that starts at 9:30 am. I’ve always watched the parade.