New Delhi, Aug 5 (IANS): Actor Vinay Pathak was made to learn the art of weaving for his role in "Gour Hari Dastaan: The Freedom File".

As part of his preparation for the film, director Ananth Mahadevan made the actor learn how to weave cloth. And Vinay learnt it from Oriya freedom fighter Gour Hari Das, on whose life story the film is based.

Das had learnt the art during the country's freedom struggle.

"I learnt the art of weaving during my movie filming for 'Gour Hari Dastaan'. I had never thought that Ananth will make me weave as a part of role preparation," Vinay said in a statement.

"Special 'charkhas' from Sabarmati were called for this. I was more surprised on the teacher as it was none other than Das-ji. He learnt this art during the time of the independence struggle. He really showed patience and taught me this well," added the actor.

The film, which also features actors Konkona Sen Sharma, Ranvir Shorey and Tanisshtha Chatterjee, will release on August 14 -- a day before the country's Independence Day.