That’s the challenge that Abhishek Bachchan faced while doing director Ashutosh Gowariker’s film Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey in which he plays the revolutionary Surjya Sen who was the central figure of the Chittagong uprising of the 1930s.
“Even in Indian history very little is known about the Chittagong uprising. When I got to know about it I felt it was a story worth telling,” Abhishek is quoted to have said.
But how did he work on his character when there was so little info available?
“It was difficult because there was no ready reference. There is no video footage, few photographs of Surjya Da are available that too post his arrest and the uprising. It was challenging for me to prepare for a man like him in terms of physicality,” Abhishek said.
Thankfully, director Ashutosh Gowariker had done extensive research on the subject.
The film is based on journalist Manini Chatterjee's book Do and Die: The Chittagong Uprising 1930-34. Both Abhishek, Deepika Padukone and other actors who play significant roles read the book before shooting for the film.
Abhishek said the film is a tribute to the freedom fighters.
“The film is an attempt to pay tribute to those involved in the Chittagong uprising. I did this film because I wanted to pay tribute to freedom fighters of our country,” Abhishek said.
The film has released today.
