Gandhi Jayanti 2024: From Sir Ben Kingsley to Dilip Prabhavalkar, Actors Who Have Portrayed the ‘Father of the Nation’ in Films

Gandhi Jayanti 2024 is celebrated on October 2 all over India. Mahatma Gandhi was born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, which is a part of the Kathiawar coastline. It is a day when the whole nation comes together to celebrate the Father of the Nation. Mahatma Gandhi played a key role in securing India's independence. As a leader, he stirred up nationalist emotions like no other. The life of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi has been showcased on celluloid by many filmmakers. They have traced his life from a lawyer in South Africa to his journey in India and his life in the ashram of Sabarmati in Gujarat before taking on the charge of India's freedom struggle. Gandhi Jayanti 2024: 3 Must-Watch Movies on the Inspiring Journey of ‘Mahatma’ and Where To Stream Them Online.

From working towards women's rights to ending untouchability and promoting self-reliance, he encouraged Indians to work for society. Sadly, he also had to pay with his life for the cause of this nation.

On this momentous occasion, here is a look at some actors who played Mahatma Gandhi onscreen to perfection.

Sir Ben Kingsley in ‘Gandhi’

Richard Attenborough's Gandhi (1982) is one of the best biographical films ever made on Mahatma Gandhi. Sir Ben Kingsley played the title role in the movie, which was nominated for 11 Oscar Awards. It won eight Oscar Awards, including for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor and Best Costume Design (for Indian designer Bhanu Athaiya) at the 55th Academy Awards. The movie traced MK Gandhi's journey from a lawyer in South Africa who faced apartheid to how he came to India and established himself as a leader of the nation.

Watch the Trailer of Richard Attenborough’s 'Gandhi':

Rajit Kapur in 'The Making of the Mahatma'

Celebrated Indian parallel filmmaker Shyam Benegal made this movie in 1996. The Making of the Mahatma was based on Fatima Meer's novel, 'The Apprenticeship of a Mahatma'. It is a co-production between India and South Africa. Pallavi Joshi plays the role of Kasturba Gandhi in the movie. It won a couple of National Awards for Best Actor and Best Feature Film.

Rajit Kapur Did a Fabulous Job in 'The Making of the Mahatma'

Dilip Prabhavalkar in ‘Lage Raho Munna Bhai’

The 2006 movie, Lage Raho Munna Bhai, was one of the biggest blockbusters of the year. Gandhigiri was the buzzword in India after this movie. Dilip Prabhavalkar and Sanjay Dutt debated how the principles of Mahatma Gandhi could be used in modern life. Rajkumar Hirani was the director of Lage Raho Munna Bhai. Gandhi Jayanti 2024: President Droupadi Murmu Greets Citizens on Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, Says ‘Life of Bapu Is Unique Message for Entire Humanity’.

‘Lage Raho Munna Bhai’ - One of the Superhits of 2006

Darshan Jariwala in ‘Gandhi, My Father’

Darshan Jariwala played Mahatma Gandhi in Gandhi, My Father, which was directed by Feroz Abbas Khan. The movie, produced by Anil Kapoor, was released in August 2007. The star cast of the movie included Darshan Jariwala, Akshaye Khanna, Bhumika Chawla, and Shefali Shah. The movie was based on the biography of Harilal Gandhi, which is titled 'Harilal Gandhi: A Life' by Chandulal Bhagubhai Dalal. Khan is also the director of the theatrical play, Mahatma vs Gandhi.

Feroz Abbas Khan Directed ‘Gandhi, My Father’

Naseeruddin Shah in ‘Hey Ram’

Hey Ram, which came out in 2000 was the Tamil debut of Shah Rukh Khan. It won three National Awards for Best Supporting Actor, Best Costume Design and Best Special Effects. Naseeruddin Shah played Mahatma Gandhi in the movie. Kamal Haasan directed the film and also played the main lead of Saket Ram.

Mahatma Gandhi's Death Scene in 'Hey Ram'

Deepak Antani in ‘Gandhi Godse-Ek Yudh’

The latest movie on Gandhi and Godse was Rajkumar Santoshi's Gandhi Godse-Ek Yudh, which was released on Republic Day in 2023. It is a fictional story about how Mahatma Gandhi survives Nathuram Godse's assassination attempt and becomes his friend.

Rajkumar Santoshi Made a Comeback as a Director With This 2023 Movie

We wish our fellow citizens a very Happy Gandhi Jayanti. The nation will celebrate with prayer meets, discourses, and debates on how the great man influenced us in all walks of life.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 02, 2024 07:40 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).