World · India Bureau
Actor opens up on playing traumatic role in Indian historical drama
Benedict Garrett has spoken about the emotional toll of portraying a disturbing character in a film depicting colonial-era violence in India. The actor says his time in the country since 2022 has deepened his understanding of British colonial rule.
LSN India ·
Actor Benedict Garrett has acknowledged the psychological weight of taking on a challenging role that depicts a brutal act during India's colonial period, saying he was processing personal trauma while portraying the character.
Garrett revealed that performing such a disturbing scene required him to draw on deep emotional reserves. "I was in trauma," he stated, referring to the psychological state he inhabited while filming the contentious sequence.
Since relocating to India in 2022, Garrett has gained greater insight into the nation's colonial history and the lasting impacts of British rule. This deeper understanding has influenced his approach to selecting roles, particularly those that engage with difficult historical narratives.
"I feel a sense of responsibility towards India," Garrett explained, adding that this commitment extends to accepting roles that explore uncomfortable chapters of history, even when they require confronting traumatic subject matter on screen.