Actors Who Played Gandhi Explain His Relevance in 2026
Three actors who portrayed him reflect on his teachings today.
On Gandhi Jayanti, actors Pratik Gandhi, Rajit Kapur and Darshan Jariwalla, who have each portrayed Mahatma Gandhi on screen, reflected on the continued relevance of his philosophy in 2026. Speaking about their experiences of playing the freedom leader, the actors highlighted values such as simplicity, self-control, equality, truth, non-violence, mutual respect and the importance of putting principles into practice.
Pratik Gandhi, who played Gandhi in the web series Gandhi, said the events unfolding around the world have made the Mahatma’s ideas feel particularly relevant to him. He pointed to qualities associated with Gandhian philosophy, including simplicity, self-control, acceptance, equality, mutual respect, hope and love for humanity. According to the actor, these principles continue to have significance in the present day.
Darshan Jariwalla, who portrayed Gandhi in My Father Gandhi, focused on the Mahatma’s emphasis on peaceful coexistence and humanity. He said Gandhi’s philosophy was rooted in peaceful coexistence not only among people but also with nature. Jariwalla also highlighted truth, non-violence and civil disobedience as principles that he described as timeless, while discussing Gandhi’s ideas around self-reliance and the economy.
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Jariwalla also spoke about how portraying Gandhi affected him personally as an actor. He described the experience as deeply transformative and said that portraying the Mahatma required him to step away from his own ego and personal baggage. He said he viewed himself as a medium through which Gandhi’s presence could be reflected, rather than allowing his own personality and limitations to dominate the performance.
Rajit Kapur, who played Gandhi in The Making of The Mahatma, highlighted the importance of practising the principles one advocates. He said the struggles Gandhi faced offered a lesson in putting words into action and standing for truth and justice. Referring to Gandhi’s message about becoming the change one wants to see, Kapur said the principle was not merely something Gandhi spoke about but something he attempted to practise himself.
The actors’ reflections came as India observed Gandhi Jayanti on October 2, marking Mahatma Gandhi’s birth anniversary. Their comments focused on different aspects of Gandhi’s legacy, from non-violence and truth to self-discipline, equality and personal responsibility. Having portrayed Gandhi at different stages and through different screen projects, the three actors offered their individual perspectives on why the historical figure and the principles associated with him continue to be discussed in contemporary India.
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