Nikkhil Advani Defends Jinnah's Portrayal as Elitist in Freedom at Midnight: A True Reflection of History

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In an exclusive interview, creator Nikkhil Advani has defended the portrayal of Muhammad Ali Jinnah in the upcoming season of his historical drama, Freedom at Midnight. The show, which is based on the book by Dominique Lapierre and Larry Collins, has received criticism for its depiction of Jinnah as 'snobbish and elitist.' However, Advani stands by his vision, stating that Jinnah's transformation from a secular lawyer to a devout Muslim leader was driven by his ambition to become the Quaid-e-Azam (Greatest Leader) of Pakistan. Advani points out that Jinnah's life was marked by his association with Bombay's high society, which was reflected in his love for fine whiskey and Western culture. The show's lead actor, Arif Zakaria, who plays Jinnah, was chosen for his ability to capture the nuances of Jinnah's character, having grown up in South Bombay. Freedom at Midnight, which explores the Indian independence movement and Partition, returns for its second season on January 9 on SonyLiv. The new season promises to continue the story of India's founding fathers, including Jawaharlal Nehru, Mahatma Gandhi, and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. New additions to the cast include Anurag Thakur and Abhishek Banerjee, who join the ensemble of talented actors. Advani's defense of his portrayal of Jinnah highlights the complexities of the historical figure, who is revered as a hero in Pakistan but remains a subject of controversy in India. As the show's second season prepares to premiere, audiences can expect a gripping narrative that delves into the intricacies of India's tumultuous past.