Gandhi Jayanti 2022: Best onscreen performances as Mahatama Gandhi

On the occasion of the 153rd birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, let’s revisit some of the finest portrayals of the historical figure on the big screen. In the past few decades, several actors have brought Mahatma Gandhi and his ideals to life.

TN Entertainment Desk

Updated Oct 2, 2022, 14:50 IST

Best on-screen performances as Mahatama Gandhi

Photo : Twitter

Mahatma Gandhi is an all-important figure in Indian history and is revered worldwide till date for his principles of non-violence. The impact that the legendary figure left behind has been so strong and long-lasting that it has in some or other way influenced every domain including cinema.

Over the years, Indian cinema has produced multiple films, either based on his life or relating to his ideals. Several actors have given memorable onscreen performances as Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. Today, on October 2, which marks his 153rd birth anniversary, let us take a look at some of the most celebrated portrayals of Mahatma Gandhi on the big screen.

Ben Kingsley in Gandhi (1982)

Directed by Richard Attenborough, Gandhi, which is based on the life events of Mahatma Gandhi, starred Ben Kingsley in the lead. His moving performance in 1982 release earned him an Oscar. In all, Gandhi received 11 nominations at the 55th Academy Awards and won eight of them.

Rajit Kapur in The Making of the Mahatma (1996)

Maverick filmmaker Shyam Benegal took up the mantle to make a feature film based on the 21 years that Mahatma Gandhi spent in South Africa. For the titular role in The Making of the Mahatma, he roped in Rajit Kapur, an actor par excellence and he did not disappoint. Rajit’s accurate portrayal of the Father of the Nation fetched him a National Film Award.

Naseeruddin Shah in Hey Ram (2000)

Naseeruddin Shah brought Mahatma Gandhi’s ideals to life on the big screen in the 2000 release Hey Ram, which was helmed by none other than Kamal Haasan. His short but impact portrayal left a mark on the audience and the film went on to win as many as three National Film Awards.

Dilip Prabhavalkar in Lage Raho Munna Bhai (2006)

Probably the most loved onscreen portrayal of Mahatma Gandhi on the big screen in recent times, Dilip Prabhavalkar played the part with such finesse that it uplifted the Rajkumar Hirani film to a whole new level. Lage Raho Munna Bhai, which stars Sanjay Dutt and Arshad Warsi in the lead, is equally remembered for Dilip’s stellar act. The film had bagged four National Film Awards.

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