Jawaharlal Nehru Birth Anniversary: From Roshan Seth in Gandhi to Dalip Tahil in Bhaag Milkha Bhaag; Six On-Screen Portrayals That Celebrate His Legacy!
As we celebrate the birth anniversary of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, India's first Prime Minister and a towering figure in the nation's history, let's look back at the actors who've expertly portrayed his persona on the silver screen.
Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the visionary leader and the first Prime Minister of independent India, played a pivotal role in shaping the destiny of a nation. On November 14, 2023, the nation commemorates his birth anniversary, reflecting on his invaluable contributions to India's history. Nehru, a comrade of Mahatma Gandhi, was instrumental in securing India's freedom, dedicating 3359 days of his life to the cause and enduring incarceration nine times. His legacy lives on, and his presence is not only felt in the annals of history but also on the silver screen, thanks to the remarkable actors who portrayed him. Children's Day 2023 in India Date: Know the History and Significance of the Day That Marks Birth Anniversary Of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru.
Check out the actors who portrayed Jawaharlal Nehru on screen:
Roshan Seth in Gandhi (1982)
When it comes to portraying Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru on screen, few have matched the remarkable performance of Roshan Seth in the epic biographical film Gandhi (1982). Directed by Richard Attenborough, the film was a resounding success, earning numerous accolades, including multiple Academy Awards. Seth's portrayal of Nehru was not only exceptional but also visually uncanny, closely resembling the iconic leader. His dedication and artistry earned him a nomination for the BAFTA Award for Best Supporting Role. Roshan Seth, a British actor, writer, and stage director, left an indelible mark in the role of Nehru.
Pratap Sharma in Nehru (1990)
The film Nehru (1990), directed by Kiran Kumar, featured Pratap Sharma as Jawaharlal Nehru. Sharma's portrayal, although not as well-known as some of his contemporaries, was still celebrated for its authenticity and conviction. His performance added a memorable chapter to the cinematic representation of Nehru's life, even as he passed away in 2011.
Dalip Tahil in Bhaag Milkha Bhaag (2013)
Dalip Tahil took on the role of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru in a rather unexpected setting: the biopic Bhaag Milkha Bhaag (2013). While the film primarily revolved around the life of legendary sprinter Milkha Singh, Tahil's portrayal of Nehru was commendable. Directed by Rakesh Omprakash Mehra and starring Farhan Akhtar, the film received widespread acclaim for its storytelling and performances.
Benjamin Gilani in Sardar (1993)
In Ketan Mehta's Sardar (1993), Benjamin Gilani stepped into the shoes of Pandit Nehru, delivering a memorable performance that resonated with the audience. The film offered a deeper insight into Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's life and Nehru's interactions with him. Gilani's portrayal added to the narrative, making the film an informative and entertaining piece of historical cinema.
Denzil Smith in Shobhayatra (2004)
Denzil Smith portrayed Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru in Shobhayatra (2004), directed by Shafat Khan. This lesser-known film brought Nehru's persona to life, and Denzil Smith's performance earned appreciation for its authenticity and depth.
Saurabh Dubey in Legend of Bhagat Singh (2002)
Saurabh Dubey's portrayal of Nehru in Rajkumar Santoshi's Legend of Bhagat Singh (2002) remains etched in the memory of many. This film, starring Ajay Devgn, beautifully showcased the tumultuous era of India's struggle for freedom and Nehru's pivotal role in it. 'Legend of Bhagat Singh' continues to be a popular choice for viewers, keeping Nehru's legacy alive on screen.
These remarkable actors have brought to life the iconic persona of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru on the silver screen, contributing to the collective memory of a nation. Their dedication and talent have not only entertained but also educated audiences about the life and times of one of India's most influential leaders.
On this occasion of Nehru's birth anniversary, let us remember not only the man himself but also the actors who breathed life into his character, ensuring that his legacy endures through the power of cinema.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 14, 2023 10:47 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).