Morarji Desai had this condition in Ben Kingsley’s “Gandhi” team.

What’s the story?

Obtaining permissions to shoot films in India has always been a tough nut to crack for foreign film crews. Just ask big names like Christopher Nolan and Sam Mendes!

This is not a new headache; dates back to the time when Richard Attenborough wanted to shoot for his Oscar-winning film at the Aga Khan Palace in Pune, Gandhi.

Even today, this film starring Ben Kingsley as the iconic Mahatma Gandhi is still considered the best portrayal of the Indian leader.

“Why do we need a fake Gandhi?”

The Aga Khan Palace is steeped in history as the place where Kasturba Gandhi, wife of Mahatma Gandhi, spent her last days.

Shobhana Ranade, former secretary of Gandhi National Memorial Society, shared in an interview with PTI that former Prime Minister Morarji Desai was initially skeptical about the need for “nakli” (fake) Gandhi who will impersonate Gandhi.

Although he had doubts whether a British actor would be hired for the role, Desai gave the green light after 10 days.

‘No alcohol or meat’: Desai’s strict rules regarding the crew of the Gandhi.

However, Desai, who was also chairman of the trust, established a set of rules for Attenborough and his crew.

Ranade recalls, “We told him that consumption of alcohol and non-vegetarian food were strictly prohibited on the premises and the board members had a zero-tolerance policy towards anyone violating these norms.”

Attenborough accepted these terms and often called Ranade “jokingly asking to check things to make sure there was no alcohol or meat”.

The success of the film “Gandhi” and the legacy of Attenborough

Despite initial obstacles, Gandhi was a spectacular success. Kingsley won an Academy Award for Best Actor for his role, and the film received a total of 11 Oscar nominations. The film was also a box office hit, grossing over $120 million worldwide.

Ranade fondly recalled Attenborough as a “very warm person” who regularly sent her Christmas wishes.

The director died in 2014, leaving behind a legacy marked by the cult film about Mahatma.