5 Actors Who Played the Freedom Fighter Onscreen

Bollywood has delivered some brilliant performances in the patriotic category. Top actors like Ajay Devgn, Aamir Khan, Vicky Kaushal, and others, have been successful in invoking nationalism by stepping into the shoes of great freedom fighters onscreen. 

• Ajay Devgn as Bhagat Singh

Ajay Devgan played an iconic role in Bhagat Singh’s who has managed to impress many filmmakers and stand part of the rest. Bhagat Singh was an inspirational life and his character in the freedom movement of India have influenced many filmmakers to carve his life on the celluloid. For this role, the actor also received the best actor award in the National Film Award. There are some other actors who have played this iconic character onscreen are Manoj Kumar and Bobby Deol.

• Kangana Ranaut as Rani Lakshmibai

In 2019, Kangana Ranaut played the iconic character of Rani Lakshmibai. ‘The Queen of Jhansi’ Born as Manikarnika, she got the name Lakshmibai after she got married to the King of Jhansi, Gangadhar Rao. She was one of the major figures in the Revolt of 1857. Kangana reportedly lives through extensive training in horse riding and sword fighting to get into the skin of her character. The film received positive reviews from the audience and the censor was identical. Kangana also received the National Award for Best Actress in 2021 for ‘Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi’.

• Vicky Kaushal as Sardar Udham Singh

Sardar Udham Singh is known for assassinating Michael O’Dwyer, the former second in command governor of Punjab in India after the Jallianwala Bagh massacre in Amritsar in 1919. Actor Vicky Kaushal played the iconic personality role on-screen in Shoojit Sircar’s Sardar Udham. The filmmaker had earlier detained Irrfan Khan to essay the role but because of Irrfan’s illness, unfortunately, he couldn’t play this role and Vicky stepped in. 

• Aamir Khan as Mangal Pandey

Aamir Khan played the nominal role of an Indian soldier, Mangal Pandey In ‘Mangal Pandey: The Rising’. Mangal Pandey revolted against the British in the rebellion of 1857. Mangal Pandey was executed for rising up against the British. The actor received a massive commendation for his brilliant picture of the character.

• Rajkummar Rao as Subhash Chandra Bose

In 2017, Rajkummar Rao attempted the role of Subhash Chandra Bose in a mini-series ‘Bose: Dead/Alive’ that was released on an OTT platform. Rajkummar left no stone unturned to get into the skin of the character. He accumulated commend for his performance in the series from all quarters. Sachin Khedekar also portrayed the character of Subhash Chandra Bose in ‘Bose: The Forgotten Her’.