The celebration of Gandhi Jayanti 2024 brings with it a reflection on the enduring influence of Mahatma Gandhi’s principles of non-violence, unwavering commitment to truth, and compassion. These Gandhian ideals have not only left a profound impact on leaders like Nelson Mandela and Martin Luther King Jr. but have also found expression in various forms of popular culture. Back in 2019, marking the 150th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi’s birth, the United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres hailed him as a global icon of peace and a defender of the most vulnerable. Continuing this tradition, filmmakers and playwrights have woven narratives centered around the power of humanism and love, inviting audiences to reconsider the futility of hate and the universal relevance of Gandhian values.
To honor Gandhi’s legacy on his birth anniversary, we explore five impactful stories that bring Gandhian philosophy to life on screen.
1. **Shobhayatra (Zee Theatre Teleplay)**
This engaging teleplay by Zee Theatre captures the lives of six professionals gearing up to portray historical figures such as Gandhi, Bose, Tilak, Nehru, Rani Laxmibai, and Babu Genu in an Independence Day ceremony. Directed by Ganesh Yadav and filmed by Attar Singh Saini, the drama cleverly contrasts the characters’ real lives with the heroic personas they are set to portray. Featuring performances by Chirag Vohra (as Gandhi), Anand Alkunte, Ayaz Khan, Mansi Multani, Nikhil Ratnaparakhi, and Sumukha S., “Shobhayatra” subtly underscores the continuing relevance of Gandhian values and serves as a humbling reminder of how far contemporary society has strayed from the ideals championed by our freedom fighters. This teleplay will be broadcast on 2nd October via Airtel Theatre, Dish TV, and D2H Rangmanch Active.
2. **The Making of the Mahatma (Film)**
Directed by Shyam Benegal and based on Fatima Meer’s book “The Apprenticeship of a Mahatma,” this 1996 biographical film unveils the formative 21 years Gandhi spent in South Africa. This period was instrumental in shaping his ideologies and passion for justice and equality. The film delves into Gandhi’s transformation from a young barrister into the revered Mahatma. It highlights the significant issues faced by the Indian diaspora in South Africa and Gandhi’s evolving stance on them. Featuring stellar performances by Rajit Kapoor, Pallavi Joshi, and Paul Slabolepszy, the movie paints a vivid portrait of Gandhi’s journey and is available for viewing on Mubi.
3.
. **Hey Ram (Film)**
“Hey Ram,” directed by Kamal Haasan, juxtaposes revenge and forgiveness through the story of Saket Ram, played by Kamal Haasan himself. After his wife is brutally raped and murdered, Saket Ram plunges into a quest for vengeance against Gandhi, whom he blames for the country’s rampant violence. However, as an elderly man recounting his past, Saket reveals his transformation from a path of hatred to one aligned with Gandhian philosophy, thanks to key experiences and relationships in his life. With a captivating storyline that spans crucial moments in Indian history, the film also stars Shah Rukh Khan, Rani Mukerji, Vasundhara Das, Girish Karnad, Naseeruddin Shah, and Om Puri. “Hey Ram” is available on Amazon Prime and Jio Cinema.
4. **Lage Raho Munna Bhai (Film)**
This heartwarming film directed by Rajkumar Hirani showcases Gandhi manifesting in the most unexpected ways in the life of Munna Bhai, played by Sanjay Dutt. As an aimless street thug, Munna embarks on a transformative journey, inspired by Gandhi, to woo a beautiful radio disc jockey (Vidya Balan). Gandhian principles begin to influence Munna’s every action, leading him to adopt ‘Gandhigiri’—a modern take on Gandhi’s ideologies to resolve conflicts and spread peace. The film, which also stars Arshad Warsi, Dilip Prabhavalkar, Jimmy Shergill, Dia Mirza, and Boman Irani, struck a chord with audiences upon its release and continues to be celebrated. Catch it on Amazon Prime.
5. **Gandhi (Film)**
Richard Attenborough’s acclaimed biographical drama “Gandhi” remains one of the most comprehensive cinematic portrayals of Mahatma Gandhi’s life. The film meticulously chronicles Gandhi’s journey from his days in South Africa to his return to India, his pivotal role in India’s independence movement, and his efforts to bridge religious divides post-independence. Ben Kingsley’s riveting portrayal of Gandhi earned him an Academy Award, while Bhanu Athaiya received an Oscar for costume design. The star-studded cast includes Candice Bergen, Edward Fox, John Gielgud, Trevor Howard, John Mills, Martin Sheen, and Rohini Hattangadi. “Gandhi” is currently available for viewing on Jio Cinema and Netflix.
On this Gandhi Jayanti, as we revisit these compelling stories, we are reminded of Gandhi’s timeless wisdom and its unmatched ability to inspire us towards a path of peace, tolerance, and self-transformation.
