Celebrating Gandhi Jayanti with Bollywood!

The teachings of Mahatma Gandhi have been portrayed in many musicals and plays, and even our Bollywood film industry has not failed...

Published: Sunday,Oct 02, 2011 07:44 AM GMT-06:00

Hershi J.

October 2nd marks the birthday of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, the father of the nation and the one honored with the name 'Mahatma'. It is observed as a national holiday for the entire country of India. Gandhiji is known for the courage and wisdom with which he fought for the freedom of the country. Known to believe in non-violence, Gandhiji went on to lead India to independence and inspired many across the world to fight for their freedom.

The teachings of Mahatma Gandhi have been portrayed in many musicals and plays, and even our Bollywood film industry has not failed to depict the great man's trials and achievements. So here, BollyCurry brings you some of the great movies that have been based on Gandhiji.

Gandhi (1983) - A biographical film based on Gandhiji, played by Ben Kingsley, this movie focused on the trials and tribulations Gandhiji went through for his fight for freedom.The movie garnered a lot of praise and appreciation. It went on to win many Academy Awards along with the best actor, best movie and best director.

Lage Raho Munna Bhai (2006) - The second installment of the hugely popular Munnabhai series, stars Sanjay Dutt as Munnabhai and Dilip Prabhavalkar as the image of Gandhiji. This movie focuses on how Munna sees the spirit of Mahatma Gandhi, and uses his knowledge and non-violent ways to help people and teach them lessons. Giving this practice the name of Gandhigiri, Munna goes on to help one and all. The movie was well received by audiences all over the world, to the point where people started following the ways of Gandhigiri in their daily lives. It won many awards including four National Film Awards.

Gandhi - My Father (2007) - Starring Darshan Jariwala as Mahatma Gandhi and Akshay Khanna as Harilal Gandhi, this movie focuses on the relationship between Gandhiji and his son Hari. The movie is based on the biography of Harilal. The movie shows the strained relationship between Gandhi and Hari due to the different dreams the two had. While Hari wanted to go and study abroad and become a barrister like his father, Gandhi wanted him to help in his fight for freedom. The clash between the two, led Hari to leave his father and eventually paved a way for his own downfall. The movie garnered a lot of praise and critical acclaim.

Along with these three, there have been many other movies about Gandhiji. Be it about his fight for freedom, or his assassination, his relationship with his people or his courage, everything was appreciated by the audience. A man true to his words, who gave up his life for his country Gandhiji is appreciated and respected by one and all.

Here's wishing everyone a happy Gandhi Jayanti! A very happy birthday to the man who gave us the right to live in a beautiful country that is our own! Live today and everyday, truthfully and non-violently!! And let us know, how u decide to celebrate this day! What did you or will you do today to make a difference!

Editor: Gunia
Graphics: Pooji