Writer Mohan Rakesh once famously said, “People are not great, circumstances are.” This raises a question: was Mahatma Gandhi truly great, or was it the era and circumstances that shaped him? In truth, both perspectives hold weight.
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was born at a time when humanity was grappling with serious challenges. At a moment in history when it was easier to resort to violence, he chose the path of non-violence and went on to play a pivotal role in India’s struggle for independence from British rule.
His remarkable personality has been portrayed on screen many times, with each depiction uncovering a different facet of his character.
In the 1982 film Gandhi, Ben Kingsley brought the Mahatma to life on screen. His performance earned him the Academy Award for Best Actor, and the film itself won eight Oscars, achieving worldwide acclaim.
Annu Kapoor played MK Gandhi in the 1993 film Sardar, which centred on the life of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Annu Kapoor played a significant supporting role in portraying Mahatma Gandhi’s influence on Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
Rajit Kapoor portrayed him in the 1996 film The Making of the Mahatma, which focused on Mahatma Gandhi’s formative years in South Africa. The role earned Rajit Kapoor a National Film Award for Best Actor.
Veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah took on the role of Mahatma Gandhi in the 2000 film Hey Ram, directed by Kamal Haasan. The film presents a layered and complex portrayal of Gandhiji, particularly during the turbulent Partition period.
In the 2006 hit film Lage Raho Munna Bhai, Dilip Prabhavalkar played a fictionalised version of MK Gandhi, appearing as a guiding figure in the protagonist’s thoughts. The film creatively highlighted the continued relevance of Gandhi’s principles in modern society.
In the 2007 film Gandhi, My Father, Darshan Jariwala portrayed Mahatma Gandhi as a conflicted father, exploring his strained relationship with his eldest son, Harilal. The film offers a more intimate and personal look at MK Gandhi’s role within his family.
If one wishes to understand Mahatma Gandhi not just as a public figure, but as a man navigating complex personal and historical circumstances, Gandhi, My Father is a powerful watch.
