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News18
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- News18
What Does Patriotism Mean? 120 Bahadur Actor Ankit Siwach Explains
Independence Day for Ankit Siwach was never just a holiday, it was a celebration of unity, joy, and pride. Ankit Siwach has been winning hearts through his work in television, web series, and films, but behind the glamour of the screen lies a man deeply rooted in discipline, values, and love for his country. This Independence Day, the actor, who comes from a proud farming and defence background, opened up about what freedom, patriotism, and responsibility truly mean to him. Born in Meerut Cantt, the city where the first battle of freedom in 1857 began, patriotism runs in Ankit's blood. 'Independence Day is always very special and I am personally very proud of being born in the Cantonment area. I have seen the Army very personally, with my cousins serving in the army. So Independence Day holds a very special place in my heart," he shares. Growing up in a family of farmers and defence, discipline was a part of Ankit's everyday life. 'You see people from the Army jogging at 4 a.m. on Mall Road and coming home by 5 p.m., playing sports in the evening, it's a lifestyle. Even the school I went to, St Mary's Academy, added to those values. Being hardworking, disciplined, diligent, all of that comes first. Talent comes much later," he shares. Independence Day for Ankit was never just a holiday; it was a celebration of unity, joy, and pride. He fondly recalls, 'We used to have a grand celebration in our school. After that, we would take our bikes, hold the Tiranga in our hands, roam around the city, play the dhol, enjoy food, play cricket, and have a great get-together. It used to be one of the best days of the year." For him, patriotism in today's time goes beyond waving the flag. 'To me, patriotism means being a good citizen, not just of the country, but of the world. It's about doing the basics right: stop polluting, avoid corruption, conserve energy, prevent food wastage, treat people with kindness, pay your taxes on time, contribute to society, and love every living being around you. Be responsible, stay aware, and instead of blaming the system, work to become a positive part of it, because change begins at home," he says. And to the youth of India, Ankit's message is heartfelt and powerful: 'Stay deeply connected to our identity as Indians. Be aware of our history, culture, languages, and traditions, these are our roots. If our roots are strong, we can grow higher and stronger. We, the youth, must take charge of our country, be responsible, and love and respect every element that makes India what it is. We are responsible for both what goes right and what goes wrong. So my message is simple: take charge." First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
28-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
I faced an existential crisis during pandemic: Ankit Siwach
Ankit Siwach Actor Ankit Siwach has debuted onto the OTT with Kull: The Legacy of the Raisingghs after several successful years in television. The Meerut-born actor recently unveiled his new house in Ganga Nagar, Meerut, a dream-come-true built with contributions from his entire family. 'We always lived in a government quarter. This is our first home, and everyone put in their bit to make it real,' he said. Ankit Siwach in his news home with his family Ankit Siwach in his new home with his family Siwach studied at St Mary's Academy in Meerut and immersed himself in sports and cultural activities until he turned 18. He then moved to Delhi for higher studies, enrolled in DU, and completed his MBA. 'In my school days, nobody mentioned acting as a career. I once asked a career counsellor about being Mr India or the next John Abraham , and he told me it could only be a hobby,' he recalled. Undeterred, he worked in a call centre, saved money for a modelling portfolio, and eventually discovered theatre. He packed his bags for Mumbai, but the transition tested him. 'I was juggling a job I didn't like, lying to my parents, and auditioning without giving 100%. I felt lost,' he admitted. Ankit Siwach in his new home in Meerut After a year, he confessed his ambitions to his family, who offered their full support. 'I started as an assistant director on Silvat, featuring Kartik Aaryan , and discovered my passion on set. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Fully Loaded 4 BHK apts for 4.49 Cr(All Incl)* in Sec 104 ATS Triumph, Gurgaon Book Now Undo I wanted to be part of filmmaking, even if I didn't succeed as an actor. Everything changed when I auditioned for the TV show Rishton Ka Chakravyuh where I landed the lead role, despite being a newcomer among seasoned artists,' he shared. However, when COVID struck, Siwach faced an existential crisis. 'It was my first time sitting at home with nothing to do, and I wondered if I was actually happy,' he said. 'I then went for professional therapy, meditation, and alternate healing therapy, reiki which helped me cope with mental stress. I also credit my wife — my childhood sweetheart whom I married in 2020—for moral and financial support. She works as a product manager and kept us going when everything shut down. I did house chores back then. Frankly speaking, it gives me a lot of stability in life as she is in a job while I am in the field of acting. A working wife gives me the luxury of choosing my projects,' he shared. Ankit Siwach Eager to grow beyond television, Siwach took a three-year break from daily soaps to work on his OTT debut. 'Many web shows dropped me when they heard I was doing TV,' he revealed. 'But I took a leap of faith at 35 because I wanted to attempt something fresh.' With Kull: The Legacy of the Raisingghs, he feels his decision paid off. 'I owe everything to television, but this new journey is a dream I always chased.'
