Seven Indian actors who shaped freedom with their roles

Some performances live beyond the movies. And some actors stay in our memories for their fantastic work. There have been many who've taken up roles around the freedom struggle. Yet, only some have managed to stand the test of time.

1. Manoj Kumar

The man who is popularly known as "Bharat Kumar" thanks to his string of patriotic movies first played Bhagat Singh in Shaheed (1965) and followed it up with films like Kranti (1981), Purab Aur Paschim (1970) and Upkar (1967).

2. Aamir Khan

Mr Perfectionist played Mangal Pandey in The Rising (2005) which though a disaster at the box-office, won him plenty of praise. His other patriotic movies include Rang De Basanti (2006), Lagaan (2001) and Sarfarosh (1999).

3. Ajay Devgn

He won a National Award for his work in The Legend of Bhagat Singh (2002). He's also won another National Award for Zakhm that was set against the Hindu-Muslim riots.

4. Paresh Rawal

An underrated performance that went majorly unnoticed, Paresh Rawal's Sardar (1993) on the life of Sardar Vallabhai Patel may have not got him an award but the film won a National Award no less.

5. Sachin Khedekar

Another gem of a performance that didn't get its due recognition, Sachin Khedekar's work as Netaji in Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose: The Forgotten Hero (2005) was nothing short of brilliant.

6. Manoj Bajpai

The talented actor played Masterda Surya Sen in Chittagong (2012) that was based on the events leading up to the Chittagong uprising.

7. Sunny Deol

Who can forget the screaming Tara Singh from Gadar - Ek Prem Katha (2001)? But unknown to many Sunny Deol also played Chandrashekhar Azad in 23rd March 1931: Shaheed (2002).