What freedom means to young artistes

Ask an artiste what freedom means, and the answer may have less to do with grand ideas and more to do with the choices they make every day. For artistes, it can mean saying no to expectations, taking risks, experimenting fearlessly or simply finding the confidence to create on their own terms. This Independence Day, we spoke to young celebrities, who are slowly but surely making a name for themselves in Indian entertainment across films and music, about what freedom means to them in 2026. Their answers are a reminder that every generation gets to define freedom for itself and, in doing so, shape the future that comes next.“Freedom is a term that I feel is as important as breathing. We’re taught that we need freedom, we yearn for freedom, but it is something like a basic right that we’re born with. I also believe that the freedom to choose the people you grow old with and draw inspiration from is very important. For me, that community can include people from completely different professions and walks of life. Being free, to me, is also about constantly evolving through the people and experiences that inspire you.”“Choosing to become an artist, a pop artist and a singer was not necessarily the most conventional path, but I chose to follow my heart and pursue what genuinely made me happy. Of course, taking risks comes with fear and uncertainty, but I believe freedom is also about having the courage to take that leap.”“I never take this for granted, because the ability to say no to the things you don’t want to do is an incredible freedom to have. I think that’s the artist’s burden: choosing work that’s challenging rather than comfortable, honest even when it’s unfamiliar, and not always commercially safe. There’s a time for hits and a time for growth, and a good artist knows which is which.”“People are more open to experiments now, and that gives artists greater freedom to try something different. For me, the biggest freedom is when a writer can approach an empty canvas and put their thoughts on paper without worrying about whether they will work. And for an actor, it is being able to be vulnerable on camera and play the character rather than the star.”“I used to think freedom depended on things like achievement, financial stability, power and many other factors. But at some point, I realised I didn’t want to keep waiting for all of that to feel free. I decided to start making my own choices, irrespective of the consequences, and learn to embrace them. For me, freedom came from changing that mindset and taking ownership of my choices.”“Freedom is the liberty to choose who you want to be, what you want to feel, say and experience, without someone else deciding for you. As an artist, the ability to express is a gift we possess, and to do it freely, in the purest manner, is a pursuit that is getting harder as time goes on.”“For me, freedom is being able to work in acting and the entertainment industry on my own terms. I’ve always liked doing things my own way. Even today, if I don’t feel good or free about a project, or if I feel pressured by someone, I choose not to be a part of it. I don’t want to work unless I have that freedom of choice and expression.”“Freedom as an actor is being my most authentic self without constantly trying to fit into what is trending or considered relevant. There should always be space for artists whose work speaks louder than their online presence. I want the freedom to be judged for my choices, my craft and what I bring to a filmmaker’s vision, not simply by how visible I am.”