Scoop Actor Prashanth Goswami On Playing Shafi In Freedom At Midnight 2: “A Role That Changed The Way I...."

Actor Prashanth Goswami, known for his performances in Scoop, Yodha, and the television show Kaatelal & Sons, will be seen portraying Shafi in Freedom at Midnight Season 2. He essays one of the aides assisting Cyril Radcliffe during a pivotal moment in history. Goswami reflects on his journey into the role, his process of building the character, and the deep emotional resonance of the series.

Talking about how he came on board for the project, he said, "I personally had reached out to director Kavish Sinha in December 2022. A month later, I received a call from his office and gave my first-ever audition there for Shafi. I was selected, and interestingly, I was sporting long hair and a beard at the time, which must have worked in my favour-perhaps fate. What made the journey even more meaningful was stepping into the shoes of a character from a completely different religion and worldview, something that felt both welcoming and daunting at the same time."

Speaking about his approach to portraying Shafi, he said, "My preparation began right after the audition stage. As is my modus operandi, I started studying the character early on. There were two auditions, and by the second one, I had grasped Shafi's fundamentals, thanks to the detailed briefs we were given. Even before the shoot began, our look tests had helped me internalise the air and bearing of an Indian Muslim from the 1940s, which pushed me deeper into the role."

Reflecting on how Freedom at Midnight Season 2 stands apart from other portrayals of India's independence, he said, "The series offers a more layered narrative. We've had many depictions of this period, but what sets this apart is that you see the unblemished point of view of every player involved-not just prominent figures, but also those directly responsible for drawing the irreversible boundary. As a viewer, you witness the agony, helplessness, fury, and despair of people who were part of a one-way historical decision."

Sharing insights into the dynamics between Shafi and Cyril Radcliffe, he said, "The relationship evolves in unexpected ways. As Shafi, I'm aware that my immediate superior represents an oppressive power entrusted with this task, which naturally begins with suspicion. But Radcliffe is shown as learned and humane, aware that even a slight error could devastate nations, including his own. That shift-from doubt to admiration and compassion-deeply influenced how I played Shafi."

The second season premieres on SonyLIV on 9 January 2026.