 | « Back to article | Print this article |
I-Day special: Do these actors resemble Gandhi, Nehru? VOTE!
For a biopic about a revered patriotic figure to entirely work, physical likeness is key.
It doesn't matter then if it's a superstar or a rank newcomer but adventurous casting at the cost of historic inaccuracy is simply unacceptable.
Only recently Dalip Tahil became the butt of ridicule for his uninspired, comical portrayal of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru in Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra's Bhaag Milkha Bhaag.
This August 15, on India's 66th Independence Day, we ask you to compare how closely actors resemble the distinguished freedom fighter they essayed on celluloid.
Gandhi
Ben Kingsley continues to be the benchmark for the best ever portrayal of Mahatma Gandhi on big screen.
Despite his half-Indian, half-English roots, Kingsley transformed himself convincingly into the bald, frail, modest imagery of Bapu.
Does Ben Kingsley look like Gandhi? VOTE!
The Making of Mahatma
The early chapters of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi's life are explored in Shyam Benegal's film featuring a charismatic Rajit Kapur as the icon during his stint in South Africa.
Perhaps not as lean as the original, Kapur aspires to come close to the real deal.
Think Rajit Kapur resembles Mahatma Gandhi? VOTE!
The Legend Of Bhagat Singh
Before Ajay Devgn became all about mindless money spinners, he made a soulful impact as revolutionary Bhagat Singh and won a National award for the same.
The actor lost tons of weight to look credible in this Rajkumar Santoshi biopic.
Think Ajay Devgn looks like Bhagat Singh? VOTE!
23rd March 1931: Shaheed
Bobby Deol's take on Bhagat Singh released on the same day as Devgn's version and competed for supremacy.
While his sincerity to look the part is evident, Deol's limited talent could only do so much.
Think Bobby Deol resembles Shaheed Bhagat Singh? VOTE!
Shaheed
Manoj Kumar's breakthrough as the young, charismatic, fearless Punjabi lad willing to challenge British Raj as Bhagat Singh is considered among his best.
It also triggered the nationalist in him leading to several patriotism driven fare like Upkaar, Purab Aur Paschim and Kranti as well as the title of 'Bharat' Kumar.
Think Manoj Kumar resembles Bhagat Singh? VOTE!
Sardar
Delivering one of the best performances of his career, Paresh Rawal plays Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel with exceptional grit.
Without any prosthetics at his disposal, Rawal does a swell job of becoming the Iron Man of India.
Think Paresh Rawal resembles Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel? VOTE!
Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose: The Forgotten Hero
Though Shyam Benegal's storytelling may be wanting but Sachin Khedekar's astonishing makeover from a regular supporting character to a dynamic leader is much too powerful to overlook.
Hard to tell the real one from the make believe, isn't it?
Think Sachin Khedekar resembers Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose? VOTE!
Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar
Shaving his signature moustache and a little bit of make-up worked like magic on South India's superstar Mammootty.
And that explains his convictions as Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar in Jabbar Patel's biopic for which he was decorated with a National award win.
Think Mammootty resembles Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar? VOTE!
Veer Savarkar
Theatre actor Shailendra Gaur slips under the reformist skin of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar to enlighten the viewers with the latter's beliefs on Hindutva in this long-delayed film by Ved Rahi.
Does Shailendra Gaur resemble Savarkar? VOTE!
Bharat Ek Khoj
Based on India's first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru's book, The Discovery of India, Shyam Benegal critically-acclaimed 53 episode series showcases the history and mythology of India's story till it freed itself from British reign in 1947.
And Roshan Seth's Pandit Nehru does an excellent job of introducing and summing up every single of its well-researched episode.
Think Roshan Seth resembles Pandit Nehru? VOTE!