‘Hey Ram’ To ‘Lage Raho Munna Bhai’: Stories That Honor Mahatma Gandhi’s Everlasting Legacy

The second Monday in October is known as Gandhi Jayanti because it commemorates the anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation, being born. Gandhi’s nonviolent principles, an unwavering dedication to the truth, nonviolence, and compassion have influenced generations of people as well as influential figures like Nelson Mandela and Martin Luther King Jr. Playwrights and filmmakers have been inspired by Gandhi to create stories that emphasize the futility of hatred and the supremacy of humanism and love.

We have compiled five of these illuminating accounts of Bapu’s birthday in honor of Gandhi Jayanti today.

‘Shobhayatra’
The lives of six professionals who are preparing to portray the parts of Gandhi, Bose, Tilak, Nehru, Rani Laxmibai, and Babu Genu in an Independence Day event are followed in this Zee Theatre teleplay. As the narrative develops, we see that their reality differs from the noble historical individuals they want to portray. The tale also quietly shows how Gandhian principles are still relevant today and serves as a gentle reminder of how far we have come from the idealistic ideals of our liberation warriors to reach this pivotal moment in history. Manav jaati ek nirnayak mod par aa pahunchi hai, said by Chirag Vohra as Gandhi, serves as a reminder for us to recommit to nonviolence, honesty, truth, and bravery. Ganesh Yadav directed the play for the stage, while Attar Singh Saini shot the film version. The play also features Anand Alkunte, Ayaz Khan, Mansi Multani, Nikhil Ratnaparakhi, and Sumukha S. Airtel Theatre, Dish TV, and D2H Rangmanch Active have all broadcast it today.

‘The Making of the Mahatma’
This 1996 biographical movie, which was directed by Shyam Benegal, is based on Fatima Meer’s book “The Apprenticeship of a Mahatma.” It describes how Gandhi’s 21 significant years in South Africa significantly influenced him, moulded his political philosophy, instilled a desire for justice and equality in him, and transformed him into the Mahatma whom the rest of the world grew to revere. India and South Africa jointly produced the movie internationally. Beginning in 1893, a young lawyer named Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi is requested to go to South Africa to resolve a legal matter on behalf of a rich Indian. He was supposed to return to Britain, but after being involved with Indian diaspora concerns, he ended up staying for 21 years. Rajit Kapoor, Pallavi Joshi, Paul Slabolepszy, and other actors appeared in the movie, which is available to watch on Mubi.

‘Hey Ram’
The narrative of Saket Ram, whose wife is raped and slain, confronts the opposing concepts of vengeance and forgiveness. He sets out to assassinate Gandhi because, in his crazed sorrow and rage, he feels Gandhi is to blame for the violence that has broken out in the nation. He recounts his life’s journey as an 89-year-old Indian living in a liberated India, outlining how he turned away from the road of violent hatred and embraced Gandhian philosophy. The narrative moves through a number of significant historical events as well as Saket’s personal experiences, such as his relationship with a Muslim archaeologist and his realization of Gandhi’s true principles.

The movie demonstrates how acceptance and non-violence may resolve any conflict between different viewpoints. The movie, which also stars Shah Rukh Khan, Rani Mukerji, Vasundhara Das, Girish Karnad, Naseeruddin Shah, and Om Puri, is directed by Kamal Haasan. Kamal Haasan also acts in it as Saket Ram. Both Jio Cinema and Amazon Prime provide access to it.

‘Lage Raho Munna Bhai’
Munna, an aimless street thug, encounters Gandhi in fascinating ways throughout his life. As he attempts to change for the better in order to earn the affection of a stunning radio host (Vidya Balan), Gandhian principles equip Munna to handle every situation with a grin and a little “Gandhigiri.” Munna’s accidental study of Gandhi in history books develops into a way of life as he starts to assist others, diffuse conflict, and preach peace and love. The movie, which also stars Sanjay Dutt, Arshad Warsi, Dilip Prabhavalkar, Jimmy Shergill, Dia Mirza, and Boman Irani, caused a sensation when it was released. The Rajkumar Hirani-directed movie is accessible via Amazon Prime.

‘Gandhi’
Richard Attenborough’s acclaimed biographical drama depicts the pivotal moments in Gandhi’s life, from his time in South Africa to the time he returned to India, traveled the country’s length and breadth to understand its people and their problems, gave up all of his worldly possessions, and committed himself to the freedom struggle. It’s fascinating to see how the fragile guy in the loincloth gently shocks the globe, develops into a global symbol, and works to heal religious rifts after independence. Ben Kingsley received an Oscar for his depiction of Gandhi, while Bhanu Athaiya, an Indian, also won an Oscar for costume design. Along with Martin Sheen and Rohini Hattangadi, the movie also stars Candice Bergen, Edward Fox, John Gielgud, Trevor Howard, John Mills, and John Gielgud. It is available on Netflix and Jio Cinema.