Mumbai, Jan 14 (.) Actor Abhishek Banerjee has revealed his special appearance in “Freedom at Midnight 2” is a poignant tribute to the legendary actor Om Puri, whose brilliant performance in the Richard Attenborough directorial 1982 film “Gandhi” is still etched in memory.
Directed by Nikkhil Advani, “Freedom at Midnight” is currently streaming on SonyLIV and Abhishek’s small but impactful role is grabbing the attention of the audience.
Abhishek appears in the series in a role that reflects the spirit of the character played by Om Puri. This isn’t just about screen time, but an effort to pay tribute to the legacy of Indian cinema. While it’s a cameo, it holds deep emotional significance for Abhishek.
Speaking about the experience, Abhishek said, “Playing this cameo in Freedom at Midnight 2 was never about the size of the role for me. It was about what the role stood for. Om Puri sahab is someone I have admired immensely – for his craft, his fearlessness, and the dignity he brought to every character, no matter how small or large. Stepping into a space that echoes a role he once played felt like a quiet tribute to his legacy. I still have a long journey ahead before I can even come close to his level of craft, but this remains my heartfelt tribute to him. It’s humbling, honestly.”
Abhishek further elaborated, “This is the true spirit of our film industry – we stand up for each other, respect the work done before, and don’t always calculate personal gain. Sometimes, doing a cameo isn’t for show, but to be a part of a larger story. I enjoy doing such roles because they’re like net practice for an actor. You come, focus, do your part, and leave, but the learnings always remain.”
Abhishek revealed that playing a character closely associated with Om Puri felt like a huge responsibility. According to the 40-year-old actor, there can never be a replacement for Om Puri sahab and he would never see it that way. For Abhishek, it was about approaching the role with sincerity and restraint, qualities he embodied so effortlessly. Even though it’s a cameo, there’s an emotional weight attached to it and he wanted to honour that with honesty.”
Directed by Nikkhil Advani, “Freedom at Midnight 2” explores key moments and figures in Indian history. Abhishek cameo serves as a quiet yet deeply impactful moment in this series that celebrates the legacy of Indian cinema by bringing together artists from different generations. . . PRP