MUMBAI: Independence Day of India is a moment of pride and delight for all Indians as they come together to celebrate and pay tribute to the millions of martyrs who sacrificed their lives to get India’s freedom. In yet another first-of-its-kind innovation, Zee Cinema is celebrating this Independence Day by bringing together patrons from across the country for an honourable initiative. Through a unique crusade on Twitter on August 14, Zee Cinema is privileged to have a former sailor from Indian Navy, Mr. Shailesh K Pandey, a courageous man who set off on a journey in search of the country’s long forgotten freedom fighters, as a special guest on Zee Cinema’s Twitter account who will interact with the viewers.

Through project ‘Alakh 2011’, Shailesh travelled alone across the length and breadth of the country to get to know the valiant men who fought for their country and also interacted with their families to learn about their personal life outside army. Having covered over 40,000 kilometers, ‘Alakh 2011’ has become a culmination of those very journeys, the heartfelt embraces and heartwarming stories that he experienced and heard.

Now, Zee Cinema is providing its viewers an exclusive opportunity to interact with Mr. Shailesh on August 14 from 7pm to 9pm on Zee Cinema’s twitter handle - @zeecinema with the hashtag #ThankYouSoldier.  It is an opportunity for the common man to know and understand the life experiences of a soldier. With the support of the armed forces, Zee Cinema feels privileged and pays a tribute to all the soldiers safeguarding India despite the blistering heat, frosty cold or torrential rains.

Zee Cinema promises to offer viewers an insight into the life of a soldier through an interesting plot. Recognizing the threat that the country faces with ‘Sleeper Cells’, the channel chose the creative route of ‘Freedom From Terrorism’ to spread awareness to the common man. Apart from digital innovations, Zee Cinema has undertaken a robust 360 degree campaign across key HSM markets with the message of ‘Aatankwaad se Aazadi’ across press, television, digital, theatres, outdoor in Mumbai and Mumbai Airport.

Speaking of the initiative, Ruchir Tiwari, Deputy Business Head, Hindi Movie Channels, ZEEL said, “At Zee Cinema, it has been our constant effort to provide our viewers with the best of content and interactivity.  Independence Day is one such sentiment that binds the country together and with this initiative on Twitter, we aim to bring people closer to the life and struggles of our soldiers. We are providing Officer Shailesh Pandey a platform where he can share the experiences of his travels around the country with everyone. We are certain that this activity will create a large and memorable impact for our viewers.”

So Tweet up on August 14 from 7pm to 9pm @zeecinema with the hashtag #ThankYouSoldier

Get a glimpse of a real life hero…Tune-in to the World Television Premier of ‘Holiday: A Soldier is never off duty’ this Independence Day only on Zee Cinema