Abhishek Banerjee's Cameo Role in Freedom at Midnight 2 Serves as Tribute to Om Puri
Abhishek Banerjee recently opened up about his brief but powerful appearance in the second season of Freedom at Midnight. The actor explained that his decision to take the cameo role stemmed from deep personal reverence for the late acting legend Om Puri, not from any desire for substantial screen time.
A Role Driven by Admiration, Not Duration
Banerjee portrays a grief-stricken rioter who loses his pregnant wife during communal violence in the series. His character's journey culminates in a surrender before Mahatma Gandhi, a scene that consciously echoes Om Puri's iconic performance in Richard Attenborough's classic film Gandhi.
"Playing this cameo in Freedom at Midnight 2 was never about the size of the role for me," Banerjee told mid-day. "It was about what it stood for. Om Puri saab is someone I have admired immensely for his craft, fearlessness, and the dignity he brought to every character."
The actor described his participation as "a quiet tribute to his legacy", acknowledging that stepping into a narrative space reminiscent of Puri's work held special significance. Banerjee humbly admitted he still has a long journey ahead before matching Puri's artistic mastery, calling his own performance "my heartfelt tribute to him."
Approaching the Character with Sincerity and Restraint
Banerjee appears in the third episode of Freedom at Midnight 2, which director and showrunner Nikkhil Advani helms. He filmed the sequence with co-star Chirag Vohra in August 2024. From the initial discussions about the role, Banerjee recognized the responsibility it carried, particularly given the unavoidable association with Om Puri's memorable performance.
Despite this connection, the actor consciously avoided letting the weight of legacy become overwhelming pressure on set. "There can never be a replacement for Om Puri saab, and I'd never see it that way," Banerjee emphasized. "For me, it was about approaching the role with sincerity and restraint, qualities he embodied so effortlessly."
He noted that even though the role represents a cameo appearance, it carries significant emotional weight. Banerjee focused on honoring that emotional depth with complete honesty in his portrayal.
Context and Streaming Details
The episode places Banerjee's character amid the Calcutta riots, using his brief storyline to highlight the devastating human cost of violence while exploring themes of remorse and redemption. Freedom at Midnight 2 currently streams on SonyLIV, with the second season comprising seven episodes numbered 1 through 7.
When combined with the first season's episodes, the complete series now totals fourteen installments. The show continues to examine historical events through personal narratives, with Banerjee's contribution serving as a poignant example of how brief appearances can carry substantial thematic weight.
Banerjee's approach demonstrates how contemporary actors can pay homage to industry legends while bringing their own authenticity to challenging roles. His performance bridges generations of Indian acting talent, reminding audiences of Om Puri's enduring influence while showcasing newer actors' respect for cinematic heritage.
