Sidhant Gupta Reflects on Playing Jawaharlal Nehru in Freedom at Midnight

Actor Sidhant Gupta, known for his dynamic performances across television and film, is set to portray India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, in the much-anticipated historical drama Freedom at Midnight. The web series, adapted from the bestselling book by Dominique Lapierre and Larry Collins, premieres on Sony Liv on November 15, 2024. In this candid conversation, Gupta opens up about his transformative journey of bringing Nehru to life, the challenges of stepping into such a monumental role, and how the experience reshaped his understanding of Nehru’s life and legacy.

 

"I came to know about my role as Nehru only when the script reached me," Sidhant Gupta begins, admitting that before his involvement in the project, his knowledge of Nehru was fairly basic. "I knew he was the first Prime Minister of India, and of course, the country affectionately called him ‘Chacha Nehru.’ But when the research started, I realized there was so much more to him — his vision, his values, his struggles. His dignity and importance are things that can't really be captured in words. It's something you have to feel." This realization set the tone for Gupta’s approach to the character, pushing him to explore not just Nehru’s political career but his deeper personal beliefs and his profound impact on India’s post-independence trajectory.

 

Gupta describes his journey of portraying Nehru as one of deep introspection and artistic immersion. "It has been a beautiful journey — not just to understand Nehru as a historical figure, but to truly embody him as an artist. As I dug deeper, I began to feel him, to internalize his beliefs and what he stood for. It was almost like adopting him into my own spirit as an actor." This personal connection to Nehru’s character was crucial for Gupta, as he sought to understand the nuances of Nehru’s personality beyond his public image.

 

One of the aspects of Nehru’s character that stood out to Gupta was the simplicity and purity of his core principles. "Nehru’s thinking was unique — his vision for India, for the people, was not just about politics. It was about humanity," Gupta explains. "His ideas were grounded in the belief that fear was the greatest enemy, and it was something we must never allow to control us. His fearlessness in the face of adversity was an inspiring quality." As Gupta immersed himself in the role, he came to see Nehru not only as a political leader but as a man of immense personal conviction, whose beliefs and actions were driven by a deep sense of compassion for the people he served.

 

The portrayal of Nehru is part of Freedom at Midnight, a historical drama that brings to life the monumental moments in India’s journey to independence. The series, which explores the lives of key figures such as Nehru, Sardar Patel, and Mahatma Gandhi, will offer viewers a deeper understanding of the personal struggles, sacrifices, and vision that shaped modern India. With Nikkhil Advani as the showrunner, the series promises to be a compelling and richly layered depiction of this pivotal moment in history.

 

For Sidhant Gupta, playing Nehru has been more than just an acting challenge — it has been a profound exploration of the leader’s legacy and his relevance to contemporary India. "As an actor, this has been one of the most enriching experiences of my career," he says. "Nehru’s values are timeless, and his fearlessness, his dedication to the nation, and his belief in humanity have left an indelible mark on me." With Freedom at Midnight set to premiere this November, Gupta’s portrayal of Nehru is sure to be one of the key highlights of the series, providing a fresh and deeply human take on a leader who continues to inspire generations.