Independence day 2022: Will spend the auspicious day with OCTOPUS Special Force, says Adivi Sesh

Every Independence Day, it has almost become customary to flip through the channels and watch a patriotic film. Each generation has its own list of films which has evolved over the years.

However, actor Adivi Sesh has made a special place in the hearts of his fans after the release of ‘Major’. The film is based on the life of Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan, who was martyred in the 2008 Mumbai attack. For this Independence Day special, Editorji spoke to the actor.

About the character

Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan's indelible contribution and sacrifice will always hold a special place in our hearts. Sesh believes that it's a huge honour to play his character on-screen. ‘I always knew I'd give it my all to play him. I didn't realise that playing him would change me so much as a person. Today, I'm more empathetic and aware of others and their feelings. It is a direct reflection of the process we undertook as I grew to understand Major Sandeep better throughout making this film,’ Sesh notes.

About the film's success

While talking about the film's success, Sesh added, ‘Even by the most materialistic of metrics, Major has been three times bigger than any of my previous achievements. People who previously spoke to me with love now speak to me with a sort of reverence. I'm quick to remind them that the reverence is for Major Unnikrishnan. I'm simply the vessel that tried to imbibe him.’

Plans for 75th Independence Day

This year, on the 75th Independence Day, Adivi Sesh plans to spend time with the defence force. He says, ‘To have spent time with the CRPF…with the NSG and now with the Organisation for Counter Terrorist Operations (OCTOPUS) for Independence day… I can't help but realise that it has been a lifetime privilege. For this August 15th, I am visiting the OCTOPUS campus, understanding how this force trains, and speaking to them about their life experiences.’

Freedom and independence are two words which have assumed newer meanings with passing generations. When asked about his definition of independence, the actor says, "I want to take this opportunity to speak a little about what it means to 'Love your Country'. The old John F Kennedy quote comes to mind. 'Ask not what country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.' We seem to live in an era where some people consider shouting from the rooftops about how we are superior as a sense of showing love for your country."

Advice to youngsters

"My advice to our youngsters is how I perceive Major Sandeep's philosophy. To truly internalise this and reflect on what we can do to improve our country. That would be the true meaning of Love Your Country," he concludes.

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