Ben Kingsley's portrayal of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi in the 1982 film 'Gandhi' is widely regarded as one of the most accurate and compelling performances in cinematic history. However, what is less well-known are the strict rules and the immense dedication that went into creating this iconic role.
Morarji Desai's Strict Rules
Morarji Desai, the former Prime Minister of India and chairman of the trust associated with the film, imposed strict rules on the crew of 'Gandhi'. Desai mandated that no one involved in the production was allowed to consume non-vegetarian food or alcohol on the premises. This rule was strictly enforced to maintain the reverence and respect for Gandhi's lifestyle and principles.
Desai's involvement and his insistence on these rules were not just about maintaining a respectful environment but also reflected his own strict adherence to Gandhi's principles. Interestingly, Desai also referred to Ben Kingsley as 'Nakli Gandhi,' which translates to 'fake Gandhi,' highlighting the skepticism some had about a non-Indian actor playing the role of the Indian leader.
Ben Kingsley's Preparation and Dedication
Ben Kingsley, born Krishna Bhanji, went to extraordinary lengths to prepare for the role of Gandhi. He adopted Gandhis habits, including practicing yoga for 90 minutes each day and following a strict vegetarian diet, which led to him losing 17 pounds. Kingsley also learned to use the spinning wheel, a key part of Gandhi's daily routine, and slept on a cot to better understand Gandhi's simple lifestyle.
Kingsley's immersion in the role was so deep that he kept enlarged photos of Gandhi in his living space to constantly observe the physical characteristics of the man he was portraying. This level of dedication was evident in his performance, which was praised for its accuracy and conviction.
The Production's Reverence and Respect
The entire production team of 'Gandhi' was very conscientious about treating the project with an extraordinarily high level of reverence and respect for the subject matter. Director Richard Attenborough worked closely with public officials to ensure that all character portrayals and historical events were depicted accurately and respectfully. The cast and crew followed local customs at all times, and some actors, such as Sheen and Edward Fox, were so inspired by the experience that they donated their salaries to charitable organizations in India.
The film's success was not just in its critical acclaim, including winning eight Oscars, but also in its ability to bring Gandhi to the attention of a global audience as a 'self-searching, sometimes fallible human being with a sense of humor as well as of history'.
