On the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti, a look at actors who have played Bapu in movies
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi has been an inspiration for a number of filmmakers and actors alike over the decades. One of the most fascinating political figures, his life has found a portrayal in a number of films through the years. Many actors have highlighted on screen his simplicity or beliefs — non-violence, truth, secularism and so on. As the nation remembers Bapu on his 150th birth anniversary today, we list some of the best ones.
1. Sir Ben Kingsley
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Gandhi (1982)
Sir Ben Kingsley’s portrayal in Richard Attenborough’s Gandhi, is undoubtedly among the best ones, and may always top the list. Be it his intensity or distinctive determined walk, Ben was spot on with his depiction of Gandhi. To prep, he read books on and by the leader, lost weight, practised Yoga and learned to spin thread. The film received enormous recognition, including eight Oscars and the Best Actor golden statuette. A favourite with viewers, it’s screened on TV almost every Gandhi Jayanti.
2. Dilip Prabhavalkar
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Lage Raho Munna Bhai (2006)
One of the most entertaining films that explored the teachings and beliefs of Gandhi had Marathi actor Dilip Prabhavalkar making Bapu more relatable to the younger generation. It focussed on his principles in the modern world. Dilip’s make-up was so perfect that Sanjay Dutt failed to recognise him without the prosthetics! Dilip even won a National Award for the best supporting role for this. Later, he also reprised the same role in the Telugu version titled Shankar Dada Zindabad.
3. Darshan Jariwala
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Gandhi, My Father (2007)
While most movies talked about Bapu’s political life, Feroz Abbas Khan’s Gandhi, My Father centred around the troubled relationship with his son, Harilal Gandhi. The film depicted the latter’s disappointment with his parent, who ironically was The Father of the Nation. It even showed a different and little-known side to the Mahatma. Darshan Jariwala was brilliant in his performance and won the Best Supporting Actor trophy at the National Awards.
4. Rajit Kapur
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The Making of the Mahatma (1996)
What made Gandhi a Mahatma (great soul)? This was revealed in the biopic by Shyam Benegal. The film showed the rise of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi from being a barrister in South Africa to becoming the Mahatma. Rajit Kapur, of Byomkesh Bakshi fame, gave an impeccable performance as the young Gandhi. His flawless acting led him to several awards and accolades, including the National Award.
5. Annu Kapoor
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Sardar (1994)
The Ketan Mehta film had Annu Kapoor stepping into Gandhi’s shoes. The biopic on India’s first home minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, played by Paresh Rawal, showed his chequered relationship with Bapu. The movie had an excellent take on Gandhi’s principles from the view of someone who was both an admirer and a critic.
6. Naseeruddin Shah
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Hey Ram (2000)
There is no role that Naseeruddin Shah cannot essay on screen. He once again stunned everyone with his portrayal as Gandhi in this Kamal Haasan starrer. He was amongst the few actors who got the Gujarati accent and body language right. The movie focused on the assassination of the Mahatma from the assailant’s point of view. It was selected by India as its submission to the Oscars that year.
