A celluloid tribute to freedom fighters

Telly stars reveal the names of freedom fighters they’d like to play on-screen

If it weren’t for the bravery and perseverance of our valiant freedom fighters, India would never have got its freedom from the yolks of the British rule. On the occasion of Independence Day, television actors spill the beans on which freedom fighter they would like to play on-screen, and why.

Mona Singh: I respect Rani Laxmibai a lot for her bravery. I admire the fact that she fought courageously against the British army and became a legend. She is a source of inspiration for everyone. Given a chance, I would love to play her on-screen.

Vivian Dsena: I have always admired Bhagat Singh since childhood. The kind of passion he had to fight the British is what made him a legend; he was a man with a vision. He is relevant even in today’s times, which is why there are so many films made on him. If anyone were to make a show on Bhagat Singh, I would love to play him on-screen.

Rashami Desai: I am very inspired by Sarojini Naidu. She was truly a woman of substance. She supported Gandhiji in the salt satyagraha. She also travelled all over the country to educate the masses about social welfare, women’s empowerment and nationalism. Her life story was interesting. I would certainly love to play her on the screen. It would be quite challenging to play a lady of her stature.

Arjun Bijlani: If given an opportunity, I would play Chandra Shekhar Azad. He was one rebel who never backed down in our freedom struggle. I would want to play him. Incidentally, during our annual Independence Day programme in school, we had to dress up like freedom fighters and give a speech. I clearly remember dressing up like Chandra Shekar and winning a prize for it.

Jay Soni: I wonder how I would look if I portrayed the Father of the Nation, Gandhiji. He is someone I have always idolised. Personally, I try to follow his principles of truth and ahimsa. It would be a huge challenge and an opportunity of a lifetime to play Mahatma Gandhi on-screen. I think Sir Ben Kingsley was superb in Richard Attenborough’s Gandhi.

Aniruddh Dave: I have heard stories about Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose’s clever art of disguise. I have always wondered what it must be like to be in his shoes. I’d love to get an opportunity to play Netaji Bose on-screen.