Independence Day: Founders reveal the patriotic movies that inspire them each and every day

The idea of India may differ person to person, but most Indians agree with the words of Jawaharlal Nehru that the country is bound “by strong but invisible threads … a myth and an idea, a dream and a vision, and yet very real and present and pervasive”.

In today’s time, we may often forget the numerous freedom fighters and how they struggled to help India gain her independence. But Bollywood brings it back regularly, with patriotic cinema that pumps up the adrenaline and reminds us in its own way of our roots and legacy.

In the last few years, independent India has grown by leaps and bounds, and now has the second largest startup ecosystem in the world. On the occasion of India’s 75th Independence Day, YourStory speaks to startup founders on which patriotic movie is closest to their heart and why.

Vikas Bagaria, Founder, Pee Safe

"Border is not only one of the best, but also the most inspiring films Srijana and I watched together. There are some stories you never forget because your personal lives resonate with them, and Brigadier Kuldip Singh's story is one of those for us. His spirited leadership, courage, and determination to hold his command constantly reminds us of the entrepreneurial world.  Every day in business is a war and it is great leadership and teamwork that help us survive. This Independence Day, we're celebrating Border and business, two things very close to our hearts."

Saahil Goel, CEO and Co-founder, Shiprocket

“One movie that I can say truly inspired me was Swades. The story revolves around an Indian returning from the US at the pinnacle of his career, and in an interesting turn of events, finds both opportunity and love. It resonated with me immensely since I too was working in the US and returned to India with the dream of converting the idea of Shiprocket into a full-fledged business while also being closer to my family. For every challenge that I faced while establishing the business, there have been greater opportunities, and I believe that a platform like Shiprocket has not only brought convenience but also built trust with millions of online shoppers across the country while offering a medium for numerous e-commerce entrepreneurs to reach their customers."

Bala Sarda, Founder and CEO, VAHDAM India

"I was in Class 9 when the movie Rang De Basanti was released. It’s been 15 years since its release and it’s still talked about very often. It has grown more than a film. Even when it got released in 2006, it had a huge impact, not just on cinema-goers but on the collective consciousness of the nation. It travelled well all across the world, not just in film schools and film festivals studies, but also found its way into various facets of life. The film has remained young and evergreen. Chak De India is another all-time favourite. We also almost lived this moment in real at the Tokyo Olympics. The Indian women's hockey team was commendable and it was a great achievement by the team."

Karan Shaha, Co-founder and CEO, Vahak

"I like the movie Rang de Basanti. The movie was inspired by a poem penned by Dushyant Kumar, which goes, 'Aaj bhi jiska khoon na khola, khoon nahi woh paani hai, jo desh ke kaam na aaye,woh bekaar jawaani hai'. The movie inspires me because it embodies the young and fearless approach of the heroes who fought the fight for our freedom struggle. It inspires me to be optimistic and to have a fearless approach towards the fights and struggles we all have in our lives. Entrepreneurship can also be done with the same spirit where we are hustling to add value and change the lives of millions of citizens of our country.

Neeraj Gupta and Ritu Gupta, Co-founders, Genes2Me Pvt Ltd

"Chak De India is truly an inspirational movie and the most important take-home message is regarding teamwork. All the players in the team were from different, cultures, and religions, they came together with a common goal to win. Be it any sport or an organisation, good teamwork can lead to new heights as every individual has their qualities and weaknesses that differentiate them from each other. We strongly believe that ‘nothing is impossible’, as demonstrated in the movie too. This helped us emerge as one of the largest IVD kits manufacturing company in a short span of time and could create an impact on society in a small time frame."

Shalabh Upadhyay, Founder and CEO, NEWJ

"Watching Lakshya as a 16-year-old changed my life. I still remember coming out of that theatre after watching the 9 pm show and feeling the burning need to serve our nation. While I wasn’t able to join the armed forces despite trying, my life’s objective was sealed that night - to serve India to the best of my ability in any and every capacity possible. Patriotism is a flame that should drive each of us, for there is no greater responsibility than to one's own country."

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