Taaruk Raina is all set to captivate audiences with his role as Kanti Sahni, a lawyer who fights against the British Raj and strives for justice following the Jallianwala Bagh massacre in The Waking of a Nation. In an exclusive interview, Raina spoke about his character, the significance of the role, and the extensive preparation that went into bringing this story to life.
Raina shared, “Kanti Lal is a lawyer, a man who stood up against the British Raj. The story revolves around four ordinary friends, all of whom are fighting for justice during the 1919 period. The significant part of my character is that he has been blinded by English thinking. This character starts from a point where he’s influenced by the British mindset, and through a gradual process, he begins to awaken to his own truth and purpose. The journey of Kanti is all about that transformation.”
The character of Kanti Sahni represents an internal battle between conformity to the British system and the awakening of national consciousness. Raina describes the evolution of his character as a key theme of the show. "It’s about waking up to reality and breaking free from the chains of colonial thought. The transformation in Kanti’s character is pivotal to the narrative of the show."
On his preparation process, Raina spoke about the effort and dedication that went into crafting his character. “There were a lot of workshops and rehearsals involved for character refinement. However, when it came to actual shooting, one also had the freedom to explore the character in real-time. For example, as a lawyer, I had to maintain a specific body language, yet there was room to bring my own interpretation of the role, allowing the character to evolve as I performed.”
In The Waking of a Nation, Raina's portrayal promises to resonate deeply with viewers, reflecting the journey of an individual who rises above personal conflicts to stand for what is right, fighting for justice during one of India’s most crucial moments in history.
The Waking of a Nation will premiere on March 7, 2025 on SONY LIV and promises to be an unforgettable addition to India’s historical narratives on screen.