Gandhi’s story to be portrayed in series

A NEW biographical series on Mahatma Gandhi is in the works.

The multiseason series has been adapted from historian Ramachandra Guha’s two books – Gandhi Before India and Gandhi: The Years that Changed the World.

Pratik Gandhi, who starred in Scam 1992, plays the lead role. He incidentally shares his last name with the father of the nation.

Pratik Gandhi said: “I deeply believe in the Gandhian philosophy and its values that echo simplicity in its purest forms. Personally too, I strive to achieve and imbibe many of his qualities and teachings in my daily life.

“Moreover, playing the role of Mahatma is very close to my heart ever since my theatre days and now it is a huge honour to yet again essay the role of this legendary leader, on screen.”

Mahatma Gandhi taught the world that a revolution, resistance and reclamation of freedom did not always need to be violent – it can be achieved through truth, love, non-violence and an iron-willed determination.

From his earliest days to his actions in South Africa to the great struggle in India, the series will tell the lesserknown stories which played an important role in shaping the young Gandhi into a Mahatma.

It will also tell the stories of all his compatriots and contemporaries of the freedom movement, incredible personalities who, along with him, played an integral part in the shaping of what became free and modern India.

Guha is confident that the series will do complete justice to his books.

“I am delighted that my books on Gandhi are now being adapted for this ambitious and exciting series. I am confident that it will bring the complex contours of Gandhi’s life and the moral essence of his teachings to viewers across the globe,” Guha said.

Applause Entertainment has acquired the rights to Guha’s books.

Its chief executive, Sameer Nair, said: “Ramachandra Guha is a historian and storyteller par excellence, and we are honoured to adapt his classic books to screen.

“We couldn’t think of anyone better than the incredibly talented Pratik Gandhi to bring alive the Mahatma.” |