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Ex-Prime Minister Morarji Desai initially had reservations about a British actor portraying Gandhi in the film 'Gandhi', but eventually gave his approval with strict rules of no alcohol or meat consumption for the crew.
Despite these restrictions, the film was a huge success, earning 11 Oscar nominations and grossing over $120M worldwide.
The film's director, Attenborough, remembered as a warm human being, left a lasting legacy with this iconic film.

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Richard Attenborough's 'Gandhi' was released in 1982

Morarji Desai had this condition for Ben Kingsley's 'Gandhi' crew 

By Shreya Mukherjee

Oct 02, 2024

01:25 pm

What's the story

Getting filming permissions in India has always been a tough nut to crack for foreign film crews. Just ask big names like Christopher Nolan and Sam Mendes! This isn't a new headache; it goes way back to when Richard Attenborough wanted to shoot at Pune's Aga Khan Palace for his Oscar-winning film, Gandhi. Even today, that movie, with Ben Kingsley as the iconic Mahatma Gandhi, is still regarded as the ultimate portrayal of the Indian leader.

Filming conditions

'Why do we need a fake Gandhi?'

The Aga Khan Palace is steeped in history as the place where Kasturba Gandhi, Mahatma Gandhi's wife, spent her last days. Shobhana Ranade, who used to be the secretary of the Gandhi National Memorial Society, shared in an interview with PTI that ex-Prime Minister Morarji Desai was initially skeptical about the need for a "nakli" (fake) Gandhi to portray Gandhi. Although he had his doubts about a British actor essaying the role, Desai gave the green light after 10 days.

Set restrictions

'No alcohol or meat': Desai's strict rules for 'Gandhi' crew

However, Desai, who was also the trust's chairman, laid down a set of rules for Attenborough and his crew. Ranade recalled, "We told him that consumption of alcohol and non-vegetarian food is strictly prohibited on the premises and the trustees had a zero tolerance policy toward those who violate these norms." Attenborough accepted these conditions and would often call Ranade "playfully asking to inspect the stuff to ensure there was no alcohol or meat."

Film accolades

'Gandhi' film's success and Attenborough's legacy

Despite the initial hurdles, Gandhi was a resounding success. Kingsley won the Best Actor Oscar for his performance, and the film received a total of 11 nominations at the Oscars. It also proved to be a box office hit, grossing over $120M worldwide. Ranade fondly remembered Attenborough as "a very warm human being" who would regularly send her Christmas greetings. The director passed away in 2014, leaving behind a legacy marked by this iconic film about the Mahatma.