Pawan Chopra Discusses the Challenges of Portraying Maulana Azad in Freedom at Midnight.

Pawan Chopra Talks About Portraying Maulana Azad in Freedom at Midnight

Pawan Chopra takes on the challenging role of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad in Sony Liv’s Freedom at Midnight, a historical drama series. The actor shared the difficulties of playing this iconic freedom fighter, especially given the limited resources on Azad’s life.

The Challenge of Playing Maulana Azad

Chopra highlighted the difficulty of portraying Maulana Azad due to the scarcity of video footage and reference material. He explained, “There is very little video footage available about him. In contrast, figures like Gandhi, Nehru, Mountbatten, and Jinnah have more prominent scenes. I feared Azad might get overshadowed by their presence.”

Uncovering Azad’s Ideology

To better understand Azad’s character, Chopra studied the script multiple times. He focused on his secular views and strong opposition to partition, which were central to Azad’s beliefs. “I had to bring these traits to the forefront, ensuring the audience saw Azad not just as a figure with a fur cap but as a powerful historical figure,” Chopra explained.

The Demands of the Role

The series took seven months to shoot, and Chopra had to stay in character throughout the filming. “It was challenging to maintain my weight, keep consistent with the language, and think about Azad constantly to stay authentic,” he said.

Deep Diving into Maulana Azad’s Writings

To understand Azad’s mindset, Chopra immersed himself in his writings, including India Wins Freedom and Ghubar-e-Khatir. He also received coaching from an expert in Islamic pronunciation, arranged by director Nikkhil Advani.

The Responsibility of Playing a Historical Icon

Chopra acknowledged the immense responsibility of portraying a well-known historical figure like Maulana Azad. “You must stay true to the character and their dignity. People know their mannerisms, and improvisation is not an option,” Chopra remarked.

Highlighting Azad’s Legacy

Azad’s contributions to India’s independence are often overlooked despite his influential role. As the youngest Congress President at 35 in 1923, and again from 1940 to 1946, his legacy is undeniable but rarely discussed. Chopra said, “Taking on this role was a way to shed light on his efforts. Nikkhil sir assured me Azad’s presence would leave an impact, and I believe we’ve done justice to the character.”

Freedom at Midnight Brings Azad’s Story to the Forefront

Freedom at Midnight offers a fresh perspective on Azad’s pivotal role in India’s freedom struggle. Chopra’s dedication to portraying this significant figure authentically promises to bring Azad’s legacy the recognition it truly deserves.