Abhishek Banerjee’s Freedom at Midnight 2 Cameo Honours Om Puri: 'He's Someone I've Admired...'

Actor Abhishek Banerjee has revealed that his cameo appearance in Freedom at Midnight 2 is a heartfelt homage to the legendary actor Om Puri, whose performance in Gandhi (1982), directed by Richard Attenborough and headlined by Ben Kingsley, remains iconic. Directed by Nikkhil Advani, Freedom at Midnight is currently streaming on Sony LIV, and Abhishek’s appearance has caught the attention of audiences for its quiet impact and emotional resonance.

Abhishek steps into a character that mirrors the spirit of the role once portrayed by Om Puri – a gesture that goes beyond screen time and speaks to the legacy of Indian cinema. Despite being a cameo, the role holds deep significance for the actor, who views it as a mark of respect to one of the most

versatile and revered performers the industry has produced.

Speaking about the experience, Abhishek Banerjee shared in a detailed note, “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.”

He added, “This is the spirit of our industry that I truly believe in – we show up for each other, we honour the work that came before us, and we contribute without always calculating individual gains. Sometimes, doing a cameo is not about visibility, it’s about being part of a larger story. I genuinely enjoy doing such parts because they keep you sharp; it’s like net practice for an actor. You come in, you focus, you deliver, and you leave, but the learning stays with you.”

Abhishek also spoke about the sense of responsibility that came with portraying a character associated with Om Puri, “There can never be a replacement for Om Puri sahab, and I would never see it that way. For me, 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 I wanted to honour that with honesty.”

Freedom at Midnight 2, helmed by Nikkhil Advani, continues to explore pivotal moments and personalities from India’s historical journey, blending powerful performances with thoughtful storytelling. Abhishek Banerjee’s cameo stands out as a subtle yet meaningful moment in the series – one that bridges generations of actors while celebrating the enduring legacy of Indian cinema.