PremiumFrom Roshan Seth to Sidhant Gupta, 6 actors who brought Jawaharlal Nehru to life on screen
The talented actors who have portrayed India's first prime minister on screen capture his legacy through the lens on Jawaharlal Nehru's birth anniversary, also known as Children's Day.
Roshan Seth in a still from Gandhi; Sidhant Gupta in a still from Freedom at Midnight
Last Updated: 02.36 PM, Nov 14, 2024
November 14 marks the birth anniversary of Jawaharlal Nehru, the first prime minister of independent India and a lynchpin in the independence movement and the early years after independence. Several actors, both in India and abroad, have portrayed Nehru's legacy. These performers have brought Nehru's character, ideas, and battles to life in historical dramas and critically acclaimed performances.
In cinema and television, the following six actors have played Jawaharlal Nehru:
Sidhant Gupta - Freedom at Midnight (SonyLIV [OTTplay Premium])
In Nikkhil Advani's upcoming SonyLIV online series Freedom at Midnight, Sidhant Gupta will portray Jawaharlal Nehru. Larry Collins and Dominique Lapierre's book serves as the basis for the series, which follows the lead-up to India's 1947 independence. Many are hoping that Gupta will give Nehru a new and nuanced look in his representation, one that highlights the nuances of his leadership throughout the historic partition and the republic's birth.
Rajit Kapur - Rocket Boys (SonyLIV [OTTplay Premium])
An actor who has won national awards, Rajit Kapur played the role of Jawaharlal Nehru in the web series Rocket Boys. Drs. Vikram Sarabhai and Homi J. Bhabha's lives are brought to light in this series, which focuses on Nehru's support for scientific progress and his pivotal involvement in India's space program. Kapur brilliantly captures Nehru's paternalistic image as 'Chacha Nehru' and his profound dedication to the advancement of the nation in his portrayal of the first prime minister, who is charming and authoritative. Showing his flexibility as an actor, Kapur has played numerous other prominent personalities in Indian history, such as Mahatma Gandhi, Vikram Sarabhai, and even the current Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, in addition to this role.
Dalip Tahil - Bhaag Milkha Bhaag & Samvidhaan (YouTube)
A standout performance by Dalip Tahil in a recent film was his portrayal of Jawaharlal Nehru in Bhaag Milkha Bhaag by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra. During India's early days of independence, Tahil portrayed Nehru, who was both dignified and approachable, in the biographical sports play. Tahil has already appeared in Bhaag Milkha Bhaag and Shyam Benegal's Samvidhaan as Nehru. In this show about the Indian Constitution's creation, Tahil showed how Nehru was instrumental in laying the groundwork for democracy in the country. Dalip Tahil encapsulated Nehru's leadership at a pivotal period in India's history with his imposing presence and nuanced portrayal.
Saurabh Dubey - The Legend of Bhagat Singh (Prime Video; ShemarooMe [OTTplay Premium]; Lionsgate Play [OTTplay Premium]) & Pradhanmantri
In Rajkumar Santoshi's highly lauded film The Legend of Bhagat Singh, Saurabh Dubey portrayed Jawaharlal Nehru. The film follows Ajay Devgn's (the revolutionary Bhagat Singh) life as he fights against British control. In the film, Dubey subtly but effectively portrayed Nehru, bringing to life the leader's strong friendship with Bhagat Singh and his dedication to the fight for independence. In the 2013 political documentary series Pradhanmantri, he played Nehru again and carried on with his investigation of India's political climate.
Benjamin Gilani - Sardar (YouTube)
Benjamin Gilani brought Jawaharlal Nehru to life in the 1994 biopic Sardar, which depicted the statesman and post-independence leader. The film, starring Paresh Rawal as Patel, dramatizes Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's life and complex relationship with Nehru. Gilani portrays Nehru as a leader whose ideals about politics clash with the realities of leading a country that has just gained its independence. Among the many outstanding performances in the critically acclaimed and two-time National Film Award-winning Sardar was Gilani's as Nehru.
Roshan Seth - Gandhi (YouTube)
Roshan Seth's portrayal of Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru in the legendary British-Indian epic Gandhi is among the most famous depictions of the actor. Richard Attenborough's Gandhi features Ben Kingsley as Mahatma Gandhi, and Seth's portrayal of Nehru is pivotal to the story, particularly in establishing Gandhi and Nehru's connection and their same goals for India's future. Many critics praised Seth's portrayal of Nehru, saying that he brilliantly brought the character's warmth, brilliance, and depth to life. The British Academy Film Awards nominated him for Best Supporting Actor for his performance. An iconic depiction of the Indian independence movement, "Gandhi" went on to win eight Oscars, including Best Picture. Many consider Roshan Seth's portrayal of Nehru to be the pinnacle of Indian cinematic greatness.
These actors have done more than just play Jawaharlal Nehru; they have contributed to the immortalization of Nehru's ideals and visions through their movie performances. By performing his works, they have preserved his legacy for future generations while also providing an insight into the life of a prominent leader in India. Movies like these—biographical pieces, historical dramas, and documentaries—have helped bring Nehru's role in India's fight for independence and beyond into sharper focus.