The character of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad in Freedom at Midnight is my tribute to the great man of Indian history: Pawan Chopra
Actor Pawan Chopra, known for his remarkable performances in films like Dil Dhadakne Do, Airlift, Sita Ramam, and Shershaah, is currently in the spotlight for his brilliant portrayal of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad in Nikhil Advani’s Freedom at Midnight. Since the episodes went live, Pawan has been receiving an outpouring of positive messages.
He shares, “It’s been a gratifying and special feeling. To be honest, when I first got this role, I was reluctant and hesitant to take it up. My initial thought was that I might get lost in the crowd because there are other stalwarts like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in the series. My concern was that I would just end up standing quietly in a scene. However, it was Nikhil Advani who convinced me and made me believe in the character.”
He also adds, “I am quite choosy when it comes to my work. For me, the director is the captain of the ship, and if he is convinced, I will also believe in the project. Throughout my acting career, I have worked with passion and dedication. The financial aspect has always been secondary for me—the role must first challenge me.”
Pawan, who is known for being a perfectionist, shares some behind-the-scenes insights about portraying Maulana Abul Kalam Azad. He says, “The get-up of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad used to take an hour. From my side, there was no physical transformation, as I have always maintained my physique. Through my research and understanding, I realized Maulana Azad was a visionary, and not many people are aware of his dedication and selflessness towards India’s freedom. This role is my tribute to the great man of Indian history.
“An actor has a special power to portray someone in front of the audience—someone they may not have met or known. When I am on set, my first aim is to omit Pawan from the equation and immerse myself in the character so convincingly that the audience believes in my performance. After a long time, this role of Maulana Azad has brought me immense satisfaction. I now hope more viewers watch this series and make it one of the most viewed.”
Pawan, a father of two, expresses joy over his children’s achievements. He says, “I am happy that both of them have chosen their own paths in academics. My family and close friends have always been supportive of my work, showering me with love and appreciation for my performances. I am celebrating this success with humility. At the end of the year, I was fortunate to have two distinct projects: Vijay 69, where I played an important character, and now Freedom at Midnight. Both roles are poles apart, and that’s what every artist aspires to—variety and growth.”
