Gandhi Jayanti, observed annually on October 2nd, commemorates the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, a pivotal figure in India's struggle for independence. Beyond the tributes and ceremonies, Gandhi's life and philosophy have been portrayed on screen by numerous actors, each bringing their unique interpretation to the role. However, only one actor has received the prestigious Academy Award for their portrayal of the Mahatma: Ben Kingsley.

Richard Attenborough's 1982 film Gandhi is an epic biographical drama that traces Gandhi's journey from a South African attorney to the leader of India's non-violent freedom movement. Kingsley's performance was widely acclaimed for its accuracy and depth, capturing the essence of Gandhi's persona. The film itself was a global success, winning eight Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director (Richard Attenborough), and Best Actor for Kingsley. Kingsley's win marked a significant moment, solidifying the film's place in cinematic history and honoring Gandhi's legacy on a global stage. To prepare for the role, Kingsley reportedly undertook extensive research, adopting Gandhi's habits of practicing yoga and adhering to a vegetarian diet.

Several other actors have also taken on the challenge of portraying Mahatma Gandhi on screen. Naseeruddin Shah played Gandhi in Kamal Haasan's Hey Ram (2000), a film set against the backdrop of India's partition and Gandhi's assassination. Shah's portrayal was praised for capturing the complexities of Gandhi's character amidst the communal violence of the time.

Rajit Kapur portrayed Gandhi in The Making of the Mahatma (1996), directed by Shyam Benegal. This film focuses on Gandhi's formative years in South Africa and his evolution into a leader of non-violent resistance. Kapur's performance earned him a National Film Award for Best Actor.

Annu Kapoor played Gandhi in Sardar (1993), a biographical film about Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. While the film primarily focuses on Patel's contributions, Kapoor's Gandhi is depicted as a guiding figure in the independence movement.

Dilip Prabhavalkar portrayed Mahatma Gandhi in Rajkumar Hirani's Lage Raho Munna Bhai (2006). Though not a biopic, the film reintroduced Gandhi's teachings to a modern audience through the concept of "Gandhigiri", where a gangster starts seeing visions of Gandhi and applies his principles in everyday life.

Deepak Antani played Gandhi in Gandhi Godse - Ek Yudh (2023), which explores a fictional meeting between Gandhi and his assassin, Nathuram Godse.

These actors, along with others like Mohan Gokhale, Surendra Rajan and Darshan Jariwala, have contributed to bringing Gandhi's story to life for different generations of viewers. Each performance offers a unique perspective on Gandhi's life, philosophy, and impact on the world. While Ben Kingsley remains the only actor to win an Oscar for portraying Gandhi, the collective efforts of these actors have helped to keep his legacy alive in popular culture.