[ad_1]
Sarabhai Vs Sarabhai star Rajesh Kumar, Rocket Boys actor KC Shankar and popular radio jockey Malishka Mendonsa have joined the cast of Nikkhil Advani’s upcoming series Freedom at Midnight, the makers announced on Tuesday. Advani’s Emmay Entertainment has co-produced the political thriller, based on the book of the same name by Dominique Lapierre and Larry Collins, in association with StudioNext and Sony LIV. It intertwines lesser-known stories and pivotal moments from the era of British colonial rule, including the Partition of India and Pakistan in 1947.
Malishka will portray the role of political activist and poet Sarojini Naidu, whereas Rajesh will be seen playing Liaquat Ali Khan, a close associate of Mohammad Ali Jinnah, and Shankar as constitutional adviser V P Menon, a key contributor in integrating princely states into independent India.
According to the makers, Freedom At Midnight highlights several incidents from the year of India’s independence and interconnected stories about crucial events and personalities who played a significant role in writing the country’s history as we know it today.
Sony LIV, while sharing the first look of the actors, in an Instagram post, wrote, “#FreedomAtMidnight shall illuminate with depth and authenticity the stories of prominent personalities, offering viewers a nuanced understanding of their struggles, triumphs, and sacrifices.”
Malishka, expressing her excitement and reverence for portraying Sarojini Naidu, said in a statement, “I am truly humbled to portray Sarojini Naidu, the Nightingale of India, in Freedom at Midnight. Playing her is a challenge and honour, as my only reference point is what I’ve read about her and the discussions I’ve had about her with our director. I think she was a true representation of the Modern women of India who was not boxed by any limitations. She was not only a celebrated poetess and a freedom fighter but also a trailblazer for women in politics.”
On preparing for the role of Liaquat Ali Khan, Rajesh shared, “Immersing myself in Liaquat Ali Khan’s character has been a pivotal moment in my career.” The actor added that through research and studying the former Prime Minister of Pakistan’s life, mannerisms, and political expertise, he aims to portray the nuances of his persona on screen with authenticity. Immersion in Liaquat Ali Khan’s character has been a pivotal moment in my career. “I eagerly anticipate the feedback from my fans and peers, as this marks an important milestone in my acting journey within this political thriller narrative,” read the statement.
The makers had earlier revealed that actor Arif Zakaria will play the titular role of Mohammad Ali Jinnah while Ira Dubey will be seen playing Jinnah’s sister Fatima. Jubilee star Sidhant Gupta has been cast to play Jawaharlal Nehru, Chirag Vohra of Scam 1992 fame will portray Mahatma Gandhi while popular TV actor Rajendra Chawla will be seen in the role of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
“In preparing to portray Muhammad Ali Jinnah, I realised how important it was to depict him as a flawed and complicated human being rather than an untouchable hero,” actor Zakaria said in a statement. Ira, expressing her excitement about portraying a personality like Fatima Jinnah in the series, shared, “Freedom at Midnight marks my second collaboration with Sony LIV after Potluck. My role in this series is unlike any other I have played in the past, bringing me a unique yet challenging opportunity as an actor. Fatima’s bond with her brother, Jinnah, and her influence on him is a lesser-known aspect. She played a significant role in his life, standing by him from the start until the end, and the series will shed light on this dynamic relationship.”
Advani serves as the showrunner and director on Freedom at Midnight, which is adapted for screen by Abhinandan Gupta, Adwitiya Kareng Das, Gundeep Kaur, Divya Nidhi Sharma, Revanta Sarabhai, and Ethan Taylor.
(With inputs from PTI)
[ad_2]