Post his breakout performance as Jay Khanna, a struggling early-90s filmmaker in Vikramaditya Motwane’s Jubilee, Sidhant Gupta is back in the streaming space with Nikkhil Advani’s Freedom at Midnight on SonyLIV. Based on the eponymous book by Dominique Lapierre and Larry Collins, the series deals with the turbulent events surrounding India’s independence in 1947 and has Sidhant playing Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru.

The Telegraph Online spoke to the actor about stepping into the shoes of India’s first Prime Minister, what drew him to the project, his need to disconnect while prepping for a role, and his future projects.

After the success of Prime Video’s Jubilee, you vanished from social media and everywhere else. Where were you?

Sidhant Gupta: After Jubilee, I was reading (scripts) that were offered. Vikramaditya Motwane called me to say there was a short film and asked me to read the script. Once I read it, it didn’t leave me. It required me to disconnect, so I travelled for some time. Later, I was offered the opportunity to play Jawaharlal Nehru in Freedom at Midnight. Since there was a limited window for prep before we went on the floor, I chose to disconnect again. It’s the only way, especially when you take up a complex character.

You must have received many offers after Jubilee. What made you pick Freedom at Midnight?

Sidhant Gupta: It’s the character and the script that consumed me. I met Nikkhil Advani, our director, and I immediately felt his passion towards the story and admired his courage to delve into the most important chapter of our history with this gigantic personality. He trusted me with the character and that’s all I needed.

Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru was a towering personality. How did you internalise his mannerisms, body language, and charm?

Sidhant Gupta: I believe the process found itself along the way. I just kept walking in his shoes. He (Nehru) channelled his curiosity in all the right directions.

Was there a moment when you got too involved emotionally?

Sidhant Gupta: The speech by Nehruji is valued so much across the world. To understand those words that he wrote – ‘Tryst with destiny’ – romancing our destiny is such beautiful thinking.

How long did it take you in front of the mirror to transform into Panditji every day?

Sidhant Gupta: It took three to four hours of sitting in a chair and being loaded up with prosthetics.

You worked with Arif Jakaria (Muhammad Ali Jinnah), Rajendra Chawla (Sardar Patel), and Chirag Vora (Mahatma Gandhi). Did you exchange notes on set?

Sidhant Gupta: They are all amazing actors – even those from the UK. Everyone came with a strong intention to tell an important story. So, the emotional exchange was incredible and pure.

From Jay Khanna to Panditji, how have you evolved as an actor and a human being?

Sidhant Gupta: That’s the beauty of this work. Every character has something to offer in return. It’s an inexplicable perspective that you carry with you.

You set a different tone with each of your performances. What is the secret behind your work’s honesty?

Sidhant Gupta: Thank you. I am just doing what I love and striving for more throughout the process, to the best of my ability.

As you keep pacing forward, what are your aspirations?

Sidhant Gupta: I believe that as actors, we are at the centre of a script that will hopefully find us. So, I like to keep myself creatively busy and believe what I am ready for will keep finding me.

How do you spend your time when not shooting?

Sidhant Gupta: I think and I try to write. A lot of people out there have a lot to say, I keep my eyes and ears open to them.

Are you going underground again? When do we see you next?

Sidhant Gupta: For now, I plan on staying afloat. Something cool is coming, is all I can say.