Who played the role of Quaid-e-Azam in the film “Jinnah” which was released on 7 November 1998?

The correct answer is Christopher Lee.

The 1998 film Jinnah is a biographical drama that chronicles the life of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan. Directed by Jamil Dehalvi, the movie features the legendary British actor Sir Christopher Lee in the title role. Lee, who was famously known for his portrayals of Dracula and his later roles in The Lord of the Rings and Star Wars, considered his performance as the Quaid-e-Azam to be the most significant and best work of his long and distinguished acting career.

Casting and Performance

The choice of Christopher Lee was initially met with some controversy in Pakistan due to his previous roles in horror films. However, once the film was released, his portrayal was widely praised for its dignity, gravitas, and physical resemblance to Jinnah. Lee spent a significant amount of time studying Jinnah’s mannerisms, speech patterns, and historical speeches to ensure an authentic performance. His dedication to the role helped humanize the leader, showing not just the political giant, but also the personal struggles and health challenges Jinnah faced during the final years of his life.

Supporting Cast and Production

The film features an ensemble international cast. Indian veteran actor Shashi Kapoor played the role of the "Narrator" or the Archangel/Guide who accompanies Jinnah through a celestial trial of his life’s work. Other notable cast members include James Purefoy as Lord Mountbatten and Maria Aitken as Edwina Mountbatten. The film’s narrative structure is unique; it begins at the moment of Jinnah's death and moves backward and forward in time, using a courtroom-style setting in the afterlife to reflect on the decisions made during the Partition of India in 1947.

Historical Context and Narrative

The movie Jinnah was released on November 7, 1998, as part of the celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of Pakistan's independence. It covers key historical milestones, including the Lucknow Pact, the relationship with Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru, and the immense humanitarian crisis that occurred during the migration following the creation of Pakistan. The film sought to provide a counter-narrative to the 1982 film Gandhi, which many felt had marginalized Jinnah's role in the independence movement.

Legacy of the Film

Despite facing funding difficulties and distribution challenges in its early years, the film has grown to become a cult classic and a staple of Pakistani historical cinema. For Christopher Lee, the role remained a point of immense pride. He frequently mentioned in interviews that he felt a great responsibility to portray Jinnah accurately because of the leader's monumental importance to millions of people. The film serves as an educational tool for younger generations to understand the complexities of the freedom movement and the personal sacrifices made by the Quaid-e-Azam.

Understanding the cast of this film is a common requirement in general knowledge assessments related to South Asian history and media, as it represents a rare high-budget international collaboration focusing on Pakistan's national hero.