'You have to travel in India to know India'

Travelling through India, says actress Deepika Padukone, is the best way to discover this loveable country. Continuing our Independence Day Special series on the India You Didn't Know.

Our country is so diverse culturally, whether it is food, language, culture etc. You need to travel through India to explore what India is all about.

What I like about my country is its unity and diversity. India is a loveable nation and living here is something that you miss while living abroad.

I would like the rich and diverse culture of India to be exposed to the world. It is unfortunate that very little is known about it to the people of other nations.

Independence Day reminds me of my school days and the hoisting of the national flag. We would start preparing for the celebrations weeks in advance and put up songs and dances.

Freedom to me means the freedom of speech and expression. To the younger generation it means much more and they want to strive to achieve the best while enjoying life as it comes.

Deepika Padukone, the Bollywood star, spoke to Onkar Singh and Patcy N.