Applause Entertainment Preps Mahatma Gandhi Series

Applause Entertainment is developing a series based on the life of Mahatma Gandhi, adapted from two books by historian and author Ramachandra Guha.

Applause Entertainment, a venture of Aditya Birla Group led by Sameer Nair, is basing the series on the books Gandhi Before India and Gandhi—The Years that Changed the World. Pratik Gandhi, the star of Applause’s Scam 1992, has been cast in the lead role.

“Ramachandra Guha is a historian and storyteller par excellence, and we are honored to adapt his classic books Gandhi Before India and Gandhi—The Years That Changed the World to the screen,” Nair said. “We couldn’t think of anyone better than the incredibly talented Pratik Gandhi to bring alive the Mahatma and his philosophies of peace and love that shook the world. We believe that only a richly layered, multi-season drama series will do real justice to Gandhi and to all the great personalities that embed the proud and illustrious history of India’s freedom struggle. This is a story of the birthing of modern India for a global audience.”

Guha noted, “Gandhi’s work transformed the world, and his legacy still sparks the most intense debates. His life was an epic journey, played out across three great countries: India, England and South Africa. He fought nobly for freedom, for interfaith harmony and for the rights of the underprivileged. Along the way he made many friends and not a few enemies too. I am delighted that my books on Gandhi are now being adapted for this ambitious and exciting series being produced by Applause Entertainment. I am confident that it will bring the complex contours of Gandhi’s life and the moral essence of his teachings to viewers across the globe.”

Pratik Gandhi added: “I deeply believe in the Gandhian philosophy and his values that echo simplicity in its purest forms. Personally too, I strive to achieve and imbibe many of his qualities and teachings in my daily life. Moreover, playing the role of Mahatma is very close to my heart ever since my theater days, and now it is a huge honor to yet again essay the role of this legendary leader on screen. I believe it’s a huge responsibility to essay this role with dignity, grace and conviction, and I can’t wait to embark on this journey with Sameer Nair and his team at Applause.”