Hansal Mehta’s show Gandhi to also depict other freedom fighters

Hansal Mehta’s second partnership with Pratik Gandhi after Scam 1992: The Hansal Mehta Story (2020) was announced in May this year. Produced by Applause Entertainment, like the 2020 show, this one will see the actor essay the role of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi aka Mahatma Gandhi. 

Titled Gandhi, the show will be adapted from two of Ramachandra Guha’s books on the historical personality, Gandhi Before India and Gandhi: The Years That Changed The World. 

Sameer Nair, chief executive officer (CEO), Applause Entertainment, has revealed that the show would depict other freedom fighters apart from the main protagonist. 

“The story of Mahatma Gandhi is more than just the story of a great individual; it is also the story of the birth of a nation and many other dramatis personae, who along with Gandhi, gained freedom for India,” said Nair in a statement. “We at Applause are honoured to have this opportunity to tell this important story of India and to bring alive the rich history of the Indian freedom struggle in a deeply layered multi-season drama series. A story of this magnitude needs a filmmaker of equal stature and in Hansal we have found our perfect storyteller. Collaborating once again with Hansal and Pratik makes this all the more exciting.” 

Pratik Gandhi has played Gandhi in Manoj Shah’s acclaimed Gujarati play Mohan No Masalo. The play looked at the events that shaped Gandhi’s ideology. Mohan No Masalo was later also adapted in Hindi and English. 

Mehta said that their aim is to make the show appear realistic. “When you speak of a historic and iconic figure like Mahatma Gandhi, there is already a great deal of responsibility on you as a filmmaker,” he said. “Our vision with the series is to make it as true-to-life as possible and supported by Ramachandra Guha’s work, we are confident and enthusiastic that we will bring audiences something to remember. With a common vision for this ambitious narrative, I am excited to kickstart a new journey, yet again with Sameer and the team at Applause.”