Despite the parallels, Abhishek is clear that comparisons are neither possible nor appropriate. “There is no comparison to Om Puri sahab’s legacy and craft,” he said. “He will always be a cinematic icon. But to step into his footsteps, even for a small cameo, is truly an honour for me.”
Actor Abhishek Banerjee’s brief yet powerful appearance in the second season of Freedom at Midnight is not just another performance on his growing résumé—it is a deeply personal tribute to one of Indian cinema’s most revered actors, the late Om Puri. Speaking to IANS, Abhishek reflected on the influence Om Puri had on his understanding of acting and the true meaning of cinematic heroism.
“I have grown up admiring one of the biggest acting legends of India, the late Om Puri sahab,” Abhishek said. “He was truly a trailblazer and defied the very meaning of what it took to be a hero.” For Abhishek, Om Puri’s legacy lies not in conventional stardom but in his fearless approach to roles. “When people see his filmography, the greatest takeaway is that he always did roles and films, never evaluating them based on the size of the role,” he added.
In Freedom at Midnight Season 2, Abhishek portrays a man consumed by grief and vengeance after losing his pregnant wife to communal violence during Partition. His character’s emotional arc culminates in a moment of surrender before Mahatma Gandhi, symbolising remorse, transformation and the human cost of hatred. The role carries historical and cinematic weight, as it was earlier portrayed by Om Puri in Richard Attenborough’s 1982 classic Gandhi, starring Ben Kingsley.
“When Nikkhil asked me to do this cameo, I wanted to make sure I showed up,” Abhishek recalled. “That’s what I believe is the true spirit of our industry.” He described the role as a direct homage to Om Puri’s performance in Gandhi, calling the opportunity to step into the same character “deeply an honour”.
Despite the parallels, Abhishek is clear that comparisons are neither possible nor appropriate. “There is no comparison to Om Puri sahab’s legacy and craft,” he said. “He will always be a cinematic icon. But to step into his footsteps, even for a small cameo, is truly an honour for me.”
The actor also emphasised an important lesson he has drawn from both Om Puri’s career and his own experience with the series. “Roles aren’t always about their size; sometimes it’s the smallest parts that leave behind the highest impact,” he noted. Since the release of the second season, Abhishek says he has received an overwhelming response, with messages, calls and social media appreciation pouring in for his cameo.
Freedom at Midnight Season 2 explores the turbulent aftermath of Partition, depicting communal violence, the refugee crisis, the integration of princely states and intense political negotiations. Om Puri, who passed away in 2017 at the age of 66 following a heart attack, was later honoured at the 89th Academy Awards’ “In Memoriam” segment—an enduring testament to a legacy that continues to inspire actors like Abhishek Banerjee.
