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When were you choked with emotion for India?

Rahul Bose, actor:

The first time I went on the Rugby ground, the roar of the crowd made me feel like a proud Indian. I had tears in my eyes when we sang our national anthem. Trust me, I still cry and my friends say," Not again!" But that is the most patriotic moment for me. It would not have made me feel so proud if I was representing the country because of acting. But a sport gives me that feel.

Preity Zinta, actress:

I come from an army background and I was born a patriot. I guess there have been moments that have given me that extra shiver of excitement. Like shooting for Lakshya and seeing the brave people in the armed forces putting their lives at stake so that others can live safely. The larger-than-life acts of each and every Indian makes me feel proud of being an Indian.

Sangita Ghosh, TV actress:

Recently, when I saw Rang De Basanti, I was almost choked with strong feelings of attachment with India. During the morning assembly in school, we used to sing the national anthem followed by Vande Mataram, and read about the historical figures who dedicated their lives for the cause of India, that's when I felt close to my country.

Samit Basu, author:

Everytime, the public welfare song Mile Sur Mera Tumhara was telecast on the telly, although I didn't know the lyrics, I would sing along though I didn't know the regional languages included in the song. I also felt patriotic when India won the World Cup in 1983.

Akshaye Khanna, actor:

When I was just out of school, I wanted to become a fighter pilot in the Indian Air Force. I had also got the forms from NDA. But I don't know why I did not fill it. I guess lack of discipline and the feeling that I will never be able to improve. But I have had this strange sense of love for the country.

Hansal Mehta, moviemaker:

I felt proud of being an Indian the day Jessica Lall murder case was re-opened. That is the perfect example of the Indian people's power.

Bipasha Basu, actress:

I had never done an international show like the Seven Wonders one in Lisbon recently. And when the Taj Mahal was announced as one of the new Seven Wonders amidst a lot of applause, I felt really proud to be an Indian. I have always been a proud Indian, but some moments are more special than the others.

Vikram Bhatt, moviemaker:

I think it was while watching the film Roja. The scene in which the hero extinguishes the flames on our national flag with his body really got to me. It still makes me feel proud.

Rakhi Sawant, actress:

Whenever I hear Aye Mere Watan Ke Logon, I feel proud. It takes me to the time when India was fighting for its independence. This song makes me feel really patriotic.

Manav Gangwani, designer:

When India brought back the Gandhi letters, I felt very proud. Thinking about what Indians can do to get back what belongs to their heritage, inspires patriotic feelings in me.

Yamini Reddy, dancer:

Every time I go abroad for a show, I miss our rich cultural heritage. When I compare the depth of emotional attachment I have for my country, I feel extremely patriotic.

Priyanka Chopra, actress:

The feeling of representing your country internationally, whether at a beauty pageant or a National Day Parade, is great. When I represented India at the Miss World pageant, it was a very proud moment. From a distance I could see the tricolour, and it was truly unbelievable.