Akshay Kumar and R. Madhavan’s new film ‘Kesari Chapter 2: The Untold Story of Jallianwala Bagh’ is getting strong appreciation from the audience. Released on Good Friday, the movie is based on the story of Advocate C. Shankaran Nair, who dared to fight for justice after the 1919 Jallianwala Bagh massacre. While the courtroom drama and performances of Akshay and Madhavan are being praised, there’s one actor who has caught everyone’s attention with his fierce role—Simon Paisley Day, who plays the cruel British General Reginald Dyer.
His portrayal of General Dyer—the man responsible for one of the most horrific incidents in India’s history—has shocked and impressed the audience at the same time.
Who Is Simon Paisley Day?
Simon Paisley Day is a well-known British actor, with a career spanning over three decades. Born on 13 April 1967 in England, he is now 58 years old and has worked across theatre, television, films, and even radio. He is known for his intense performances and versatility.
Before stepping into Indian cinema, Simon had already earned respect in the UK for his performances in Shakespearean plays and popular TV shows.
Theatre to Big Screen: Simon’s Journey
Simon began his acting journey in the world of theatre. He performed in many plays written by legends like William Shakespeare, Oscar Wilde, and Bruce Norris. His command over stage acting gave him a strong base that later helped in his film and television career.
He became known for adapting literary works on stage and gained a strong reputation among British theatre-goers.
TV Shows That Made Him Popular
Simon Paisley Day made his TV debut with the BBC’s sci-fi comedy series ‘Red Dwarf’. Later, he appeared in several famous British TV shows such as:
- Doctor Who
- The Musketeers
- The Last Detective
He was also seen in popular OTT shows like:
- The Crown (Netflix)
- Sherlock starring Benedict Cumberbatch
These roles made him popular not just in the UK, but among international audiences as well.
Simon’s Movie Roles: Star Wars to Brexit
Simon entered the film industry in 2004 with the movie ‘Churchill: The Hollywood Years’. He went on to act in several well-known international films including:
- ‘Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker’ (2019)
- ‘Victoria & Abdul’ with Judi Dench
- ‘Brexit: The Uncivil War’ with Benedict Cumberbatch
These films showcased his range and made him a recognised face in the world of cinema.
Kesari 2: Simon’s Bollywood Debut
‘Kesari Chapter 2’ is Simon Paisley Day’s first Bollywood film, and he has made a strong impression. He plays General Reginald Dyer, the British officer who ordered open fire on a peaceful crowd in Jallianwala Bagh, Amritsar on 13 April 1919, killing hundreds of innocent people.
Simon’s powerful and chilling performance brings out the cruelty of General Dyer’s character, without overacting or making it cartoonish. He gives the character a realistic and serious tone, which makes it more impactful.
Based on a Powerful Book
‘Kesari Chapter 2’ is inspired by the book ‘The Case That Shook the Empire’, which tells the real story of C. Shankaran Nair, the Indian lawyer who stood up against the British government after the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. Directed by Karan Singh Tyagi, the film shows how one man’s courage challenged the empire.
Simon’s role in this historical drama is very important, and he delivers it with the intensity it needs.
Simon and His Future in Indian Cinema
With his Bollywood debut receiving so much attention, fans are now curious if Simon Paisley Day will appear in more Indian films. His strong screen presence and acting skills definitely make him a good fit for serious and historical roles.
He may be the villain in ‘Kesari Chapter 2’, but Simon has gained a new fanbase in India for his fearless acting.
