My freedom, my choice

Freedom is something we desire in all walks of life. And that’s why the concept has occupied the imaginations of authors, lyricists and poets across generations.

Way back in 1910, Rabindranath Tagore wished it for India in his poem, Chitto Jetha Bhayshunyo (Where the mind is without fear), and in 2019, Gully Boy rappers continue to demand it through lyrics spewed at break-neck speed. As India marks its 73rd year of being a free nation, we ask individuals what freedom of choice means to them in their personal lives and the areas in which this feeling of liberation matters the most.

Choosing to Play out-of-the-box characters:
Over the last few years, the Hindi film industry has seen the rise of out-of-the-box plots in mainstream Bollywood. While unconventional characters have forever thrived in offbeat and crossover Hindi films, they are also making their presence felt in the mainstream cinema. Says Bhumi Pednekar on her choice of unconventional roles, “I was never hesitant about how I look on the screen. For Saandh ki Aankh, I was only worried whether we’ll be able to look like senior citizens. It is not that I am chasing content to make a statement. I have grown up with a certain sensibility where cinema is concerned and I think I am part of exactly those cinemas, which I would want to watch. If you don’t feel proud or satisfied being a part of that project, then it would really be disheartening.”

Passion over pay:
In today’s world, with the prospect of a steady job, embracing the uncertainty of passion becomes irreconcilable. But while one might chase their passions from the sidelines, no man can serve two masters. There are a few who have taken the risk of treading the unconventional path and have given up their six-figure salaries and complete stability to follow their passion and do what they really love. In 2015, when 29-year-old Ashish Sharma ditched his lucrative job as a Mechanical Engineer and walked on the streets of New Delhi, little did he know that he would pioneer the cause of ending child begging on streets. Since 2016, Ashish has walked more than 17000 kilometres across the country to raise awareness about not giving money to kids begging on streets, trains and other places. He is determined to work towards his vision of seeing every street child in school rather than begging on the streets. While many choose a secure career that fits into the societal definitions, Ashish’s idea of freedom was shattered when he came across a child begging outside his car years ago. “There are a lot of people working for the betterment of the society but how many people are working to end such things?” asks the founder of Duayen Foundation. “When you work with a certain vision, you will face challenges and my friends so far are supporting me,” he shares. When asked about the success of the cause he says, “I know there are people who are not giving any money to kids and ever since I have spoken to officials in different states, they are trying to implement strict policies in their states,” he assures and adds that he would soon be meeting the Prime Minister of the country to discuss his idea of ending the entire mafia of begging that perpetuate poverty by controlling innocent little minds.

Bhumi Pednekar

Choosing to have an opinion:
In Today’s day and age, being a Bollywood celebrity is not easy, especially when it comes to social media. There have been multiple instances when they have been subjected to vicious internet trolling whenever they voice their opinions. While some prefer to not dignify these attacks with responses, there have been times when some have decided to give them a taste of their own medicine. Says filmmaker Farah Khan, “I block them for sure. I also send them a Direct Message, abuse them and correct their spellings and grammar... Because most of them don’t know how to write. So I abuse them back and then I block them. Earlier, when I was new on Twitter, it used to get to me, but now it’s not the same. There are people who also compliment and that feels good, so I reply to them as well.” Even Anushka Sharma mentioned in an earlier interview how negativity doesn’t bother her anymore, “It’s just a bunch of people who are highly frustrated in their own lives. I am not a slave to social media and I don’t want to be answerable to anybody. I don’t find the need to comment on everything that’s happening. I have chosen to have this kind of relationship.”

Choosing to love freely:
Our sexuality is like our sense of humour— personal, unique and capable of bringing us immense happiness if allowed to be indulged in and enjoyed. But societal prejudice and archaic laws prevented many from freely expressing their sexualities, until the Supreme Court decided to strike down the discriminatory Section 377 of the IPC on September 6 last year. LGBTQ activist, Sonal Giani, takes stock of the situation post the historic verdict and weighs in on an individual’s ability to be themselves and love who they want to, in today’s India. “In the past 10-15 years, there has been more visibility and more people are coming out. Also, post the Supreme Court verdict, there has been more sensitisation and it has encouraged the media to write about the community and support our cause. But, I believe we are not yet free to be ourselves. Even now, we don’t have Constitutional Rights like property or adoption rights, so we are unable to live that reality. The law has changed for the better, but socially, there’s a lot more to happen before we can say that we have the freedom to express ourselves and be who we want to be. There should be a push towards conversations around gender and sexuality, not just homosexuality but sexuality in general, especially women’s sexuality so that people become comfortable talking about the subject.”

Charting their own course :
Society often equates a woman's success with settling down and having children, however, there are women who don't buy into society's standards, but wish to make their own choice when it comes to marriage and having children. Author Rupa Gulab, who has chosen to not have children says, “My mother categorically told us that having children is ‘your choice’. Since she was forced to have children, she made it clear that it should be only and only my choice. Doing exactly what I want to do and not succumbing to what the in-laws or society tells me to do, was my teaching,” says Gulab.
She and her husband were both on the same page. “Both of us were working individuals with weird hours. I was very clear that I could not manage a child, husband, home and my job. And I love my financial independence; so giving up my job was also not an option. Also, why add to an overpopulated country,” says Gulab.
Gulab also believes that no outsider should get to decide whether a woman can undergo an abortion or not. “The bottom line is, it is my business and not yours. I am an individual and I get to decide. One has to stand up for one’s self. You shouldn't do things you don’t believe in. A child is a huge thing to bring into the world. You are not an animal to keep reproducing, but a human being. So the freedom to choose is important,” she concludes.

Choosing to fly solo:
One of the most common travel trends being followed nowadays is travelling solo. And while one might think that this is exclusively a man’s indulgence, the fact of the matter is that there has recently been a huge increase in women travelling solo, both for pleasure and for business. A trekking enthusiast, Himadri Garg has been travelling to various destinations since 2008 and feels that, “A little bit of thrill is always good because it keeps you on your toes. You’re more conscious about where you’re travelling and wherever I travel solo, I do a quick check about the religious beliefs and culture; these little things come handy.” The 32-year-old traveller believes that one needs to behave like a local when travelling, she says, “There is a saying — When in Rome, be a Roman, so you should respect the place you’re visiting. Once you behave like them, they will accept you more and the whole fear thing just goes because you’re talking to the locals more freely.” Garg who is also the founder of Ghoomophiro has travelled across the country and feels Leh, Ladakh and Northeast India have been the safest for her. She also had a positive experience down south. Recalling her travel story, she says, “I was travelling to Murudeshwar, it’s a coastal town in Karnataka, and my bus dropped me at three in the morning at the gate of the city. I was just roaming around all by myself and looking for an auto-rickshaw. The auto driver was very friendly and didn’t charge me anything extra. I think there is goodness in people and you just need to go with a good vibe and you’ll find people with the same vibe as well.”