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Abhishek Banerjee Honors Om Puri in Cameo Role, Calls Him a Trailblazer

Actor Abhishek Banerjee reveals his cameo in "Freedom at Midnight" season 2 is a direct tribute to the late acting legend Om Puri. He admires Puri for defying traditional hero stereotypes and choosing roles based on their substance, not size. Banerjee's character, a rioter who surrenders to Gandhi, mirrors the one played by Om Puri in the 1982 film "Gandhi". The actor feels deeply honored to step into Puri's footsteps, noting the significant positive feedback his small cameo has received since the show's release.

Key Points: Abhishek Banerjee Pays Tribute to Om Puri in Freedom at Midnight

  • Cameo is tribute to Om Puri
  • Role mirrors Puri's in 1982's Gandhi
  • Banerjee says smallest parts have highest impact
  • Show explores Partition's chaos
  • Om Puri honored posthumously at Oscars
2 min read

Abhishek Banerjee: Om Puri defied the very meaning of what it took to be a hero

Actor Abhishek Banerjee says his cameo in Freedom at Midnight 2 is an homage to the late legend Om Puri, who defied conventional heroism.

"He was truly a trailblazer and defied the very meaning of what it took to be a hero. - Abhishek Banerjee"

Mumbai, Jan 14

Actor Abhishek Banerjee has shared that his cameo appearance in the second season of "Freedom at Midnight" is a tribute to late star Om Puri, whom he says defied the very meaning of what it took to be a hero.

"I have grown up admiring one of the biggest acting legends of India, the Late Om Puri sahab. He was truly a trailblazer and defied the very meaning of what it took to be a hero. When people see his filmography, one thing that is great takeaway is that he always did roles and films, never evaluated them based on the size of the role," Abhishek told IANS.

In the series, Abhishek essays the role of a rioter driven by vengeance after losing his pregnant wife to communal violence, a journey that ultimately leads him to surrender before Mahatma Gandhi in the series, which is based on the partition of India and Pakistan, and the religious and socio-political dynamics of the era.

The character was also portrayed by Om Puri in the Ben Kingsley-starrer "Gandhi", which was directed by Richard Attenborough in 1982.

"When Nikkhil asked me to do this cameo, I wanted to make sure I showed up. That's what I believe is the true spirit of our industry. The role is an homage to Om Puri Sahab's role from Gandhi, and just having the opportunity to step into this character was deeply an honour for me."

Abishek says that he has "no comparison" to Om Puri's legacy and his craft.

"He will and is truly a cinematic icon. But to step into his footsteps, even for this small cameo role, is truly an honor for me. I want to always remember that roles aren't always about their size; sometimes it's the smallest parts that leave behind the highest impact, and the feedback since the release of Freedom at Midnight 2 has been just that. I have been getting so many messages and calls, tags on social media appreciating the cameo," concluded Abhishek.

The second season of the show delves into the pandemonium that followed Partition, capturing the chaos of communal violence, the refugee crisis, the integration of princely states, and the political tensions among leaders.

It was in 2017 when Om Puri died aged 66 following a heart attack. He was honoured at the 89th Academy Awards in the "In Memoriam" segment for his contribution to world cinema.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
It's so important to remember the lessons of Partition. Shows like this keep that history alive. Om Puri's performance in 'Gandhi' was iconic. Hope this new series does justice to such a complex and painful period.
A
Aman W
Respect to Abhishek for acknowledging a legend. In today's era of star-driven cinema, we need more actors who value the craft over screen time. Om Puri ji never chased stardom, he chased truth in his characters.
S
Sarah B
As someone from outside India, I learned so much about your history from films like 'Gandhi'. Om Puri was a phenomenal actor who brought humanity to difficult roles. It's great to see his legacy being honored by the next generation.
K
Karthik V
While I appreciate the sentiment, I hope the series doesn't oversimplify the Partition's causes. It was a messy, tragic event with shared responsibility. Portraying a rioter's journey to Gandhi is powerful, but the context must be accurate.
M
Meera T
"Roles aren't always about their size" – this is such a valuable lesson for young actors. Om Puri sahab proved that. Wishing Abhishek all the best. Can't wait to watch the series! The first season was brilliant.

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