As someone who has spent countless hours immersed in the rich tapestry of Indian cinema, I find it truly inspiring to witness how our beloved filmmakers and actors embody Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy on screen. These characters not only entertain but also educate, serving as powerful reminders of the transformative power of non-violence.
October 2nd is set aside as Gandhi Day, commemorating the birth of Mahatma Gandhi, a highly respected figure who advocated for non-violence and truth. His wisdom echoes throughout all areas, even reaching the realm of Indian films where many characters have embodied his ideals.
Movies such as “Lage Raho Munna Bhai,” starring Sanjay Dutt as the character Munna, artfully blend Gandhian principles with humor and compassion. Similarly, Aamir Khan in “Lagaan” demonstrates determination and peaceful protest, embodying the essence of Gandhi’s teachings.
These depictions act as a strong testament to the enduring strength of values such as non-violence, perseverance, and solidarity, continuing to resonate in our modern society. Let’s explore additional Bollywood personas embodying Gandhi’s teachings!
7 Bollywood characters that teach us non-violence:
Murli Prasad Sharma (Lage Raho Munna Bhai)
Sanjay Dutt’s portrayal of Munna in Lage Raho Munna Bhai effectively captures the spirit of Mahatma Gandhi’s teachings, particularly his philosophy of non-violence and truth, which is called Satyagraha. By adopting a distinctive style he terms “Gandhigiri,” Munna embodies peaceful protest and sincere dialogue to overcome disagreements.
Rather than resorting to harshness or coercion, he chooses empathy, gentleness, and wisdom instead, which subtly reshapes his personality and the people in his vicinity over time. Munna demonstrates the potency of Gandhian principles in today’s world by emphasizing tolerance and forgiveness, showing that non-violence is not merely an ancient philosophy but a viable way of living in reality.
Bajrangi (Bajrangi Bhaijaan)
In the film “Bajrangi Bhaijaan,” Salman Khan portrays Pavan/Bajrangi, a character whose actions reflect Mahatma Gandhi’s teachings on non-violence. This is demonstrated by his unyielding dedication to honesty, empathy, and peaceful conflict resolution.
Pavan sets out on an adventure to find and return a silent young girl named Munni to her loved ones who live across the India-Pakistan border, overcoming multiple obstacles without using force. His unwavering commitment to honesty and peaceful methods earns him respect and gradually dissolves walls of animosity, fostering understanding between the two nations.
Through his selection of love, humility, and respect for all, Pavan’s personality echoes the essence of Gandhi’s teachings, demonstrating that genuine bravery and power stem from compassion and human kindness. In this way, he embodies the contemporary representation of Gandhian principles.
Mohan (Swades)
In the film Swades, Shah Rukh Khan’s character, Mohan Bhargava, symbolically portrays Mahatma Gandhi’s teachings of non-violence. He strives for societal transformation not through confrontation but with compassion, respect, and a strong commitment to duty.
Upon returning to his Indian village from the United States, Mohan opts for open conversation, comprehension, and proactive participation to tackle societal problems such as poverty and illiteracy. Rather than imposing his views, he collaborates with the villagers, fostering self-sufficiency and unity without causing disputes.
Through motivating others to raise themselves by working together without resorting to forceful means, Mohan’s personality embodies Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy of peaceful social change and the impact of personal growth.
PK (PK)
In the film PK, Aamir Khan portrays a character called PK, who is an alien. This character embodies Mahatma Gandhi’s principle of non-violence by challenging established social conventions and religious beliefs through his straightforward and impactful questions.
As an ardent admirer, I’d say that PK, rather than resorting to anger or coercion, tackles hypocrisy, superstitions, and unquestioned faith by advocating for logical reasoning and empathy. He approaches delicate topics with the wonder of a child, sparking dialogue and fostering comprehension without animosity.
Bhuvan (Lagaan)
In the movie Lagaan, Aamir Khan’s character Bhuvan exemplifies Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy of non-violence through demonstrating that resistance can be both peaceful and impactful. Faced with unjust taxes imposed by the British, Bhuvan rallies his village together, opting for a non-violent strategy over a violent uprising.
Rather than resorting to confrontation, I take up a cricket match challenge as a peaceful stand against injustice. By fostering teamwork, endurance, and tenacity, I inspire my fellow villagers to combat oppression without resentment, demonstrating that bravery and solidarity can overcome tyranny – echoing the ideals of Gandhi’s passive resistance and civil disobedience.
Rizwan Khan (My Name Is Khan)
In the movie “My Name Is Khan,” Shah Rukh Khan portrays Rizwan Khan, a character who embodies Mahatma Gandhi’s teachings of peace and understanding in his response to hardship. Even when confronted with racial discrimination and heartache following the 9/11 attacks, Rizwan refrains from reacting with anger or aggression.
Rather than opting for confrontation or aggression, he decides on a course of non-violent demonstrations and steadfast determination to exonerate himself and propagate his ideas: “My name is Khan, but I am not a terrorist.” His story embodies compassion and empathy, serving as an example that love and comprehension can conquer prejudice.
Rizwan’s steadfast dedication to peace aligns with Gandhi’s philosophy of peaceful protest and global unity among all people.
Amay Patnaik (Raid)
Ajay Devgn’s role as Amay Patnaik in Raid illustrates Gandhi’s values of truth and non-violence through his unwavering commitment to justice without resorting to aggression. As an honest Income Tax officer, Amay conducts a high-profile raid on a corrupt politician’s mansion, despite threats and intimidation.
He adheres rigidly to the rules, employing patience, honesty, and determination instead of coercion or aggression. By remaining steadfast against corruption with peaceful protest and a commitment to ethical values, his character embodies Gandhi’s idea that truth and righteousness are the most potent weapons in combating injustice.
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2024-10-02 11:24