Veteran actor Waheeda Rehman is all set to return to the screen in a significant role. The legendary actor will reportedly portray Putlibai, the mother of Mahatma Gandhi, in filmmaker Sudhir Mishra’s upcoming historical drama.
The film will feature Manoj Bajpayee as Mahatma Gandhi and will explore an important and relatively lesser-known period from the freedom leader’s life. Saurabh Shukla is also part of the project in a significant role.
The Waheeda Rehman Putlibai casting has generated considerable interest, particularly because the actor has largely stayed away from regular screen appearances in recent years.
Sudhir Mishra Calls Her Casting ‘Special and Surreal’
Director Sudhir Mishra expressed his excitement about bringing Waheeda Rehman on board. Speaking to Variety India, Mishra recalled growing up watching several of her iconic performances.
He mentioned films including Pyaasa, Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam, Kaagaz Ke Phool and Guide, describing them as movies that left a lasting impression on him.
Mishra said he found it difficult to believe that an actor who had been part of such legendary films would now be part of a project he was directing.
The filmmaker described Waheeda Rehman’s involvement as “special and surreal” and said it was an honour to have her in the film.
Waheeda Rehman Will Play Putlibai
In the upcoming film, Waheeda Rehman will portray Putlibai, the mother of Mahatma Gandhi. The role adds another important layer to a story that aims to explore Gandhi not only as a historical figure but also through the personal relationships and experiences that shaped his life.
Manoj Bajpayee has been cast as Gandhi, marking another challenging historical role for the acclaimed actor.
The Waheeda Rehman Putlibai pairing with Bajpayee’s Gandhi has also added to curiosity around how the film will portray the personal side of Gandhi’s life.
Film Explores a Lesser-Known Period of Gandhi’s Life
Sudhir Mishra’s film is expected to focus on a relatively unexplored chapter from Mahatma Gandhi’s life.
According to details reported about the project, the story examines a 21-day period and focuses on the personal decisions and relationships that shaped Gandhi during the larger backdrop of India’s struggle for independence.
The film aims to combine historical events with a more intimate human drama, rather than presenting only a conventional retelling of Gandhi’s life.
Anubhav Sinha Backs the Project
The film is backed by filmmaker and producer Anubhav Sinha. Narendra Hirawat is also associated with the production under Benaras Mediaworks, with NH Studioz presenting the project.
The combination of Sudhir Mishra’s direction, Anubhav Sinha’s production and a cast led by Manoj Bajpayee and Waheeda Rehman has made the project one of the more closely watched historical films currently in development.
Waheeda Rehman’s Illustrious Film Career
Waheeda Rehman is regarded as one of the most celebrated actors in Indian cinema. Her career spans more than seven decades and includes several landmark films.
She is known for memorable performances in classics such as Pyaasa, Kaagaz Ke Phool, Chaudhvin Ka Chand, Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam, Guide, Khamoshi, Reshma Aur Shera and Mashaal.
Her performance in Reshma Aur Shera earned her the National Film Award for Best Actress in 1971.
She was also honoured with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2021 for her contribution to Indian cinema.
Her Last Screen Appearance Was in Skater Girl
Before this upcoming project, Waheeda Rehman was last seen on screen in the 2021 film Skater Girl.
Her decision to return for Sudhir Mishra’s film therefore marks a rare screen appearance and has generated excitement among audiences familiar with her decades-long contribution to Indian cinema.
The Waheeda Rehman Putlibai role also gives the veteran actor an opportunity to portray a historical personality connected to one of India’s most significant figures.
Manoj Bajpayee to Play Mahatma Gandhi
Manoj Bajpayee will essay the role of Mahatma Gandhi in the film. The actor is known for taking on challenging and varied characters across Hindi cinema.
Playing Gandhi will require Bajpayee to portray not only the historical figure but also the personal and emotional dimensions explored through the film’s narrative.
His casting opposite Waheeda Rehman adds further significance to the project, particularly because their characters share a direct familial connection within the story.
A Film About Gandhi’s Personal and Historical Journey
The upcoming project intends to look at Gandhi through both historical and personal perspectives. While the freedom movement forms the larger backdrop, the story will reportedly focus on relationships, choices and experiences that influenced him.
This approach could give audiences a different perspective on a figure whose life has already been explored through numerous films, books and documentaries.
The involvement of experienced actors such as Manoj Bajpayee, Waheeda Rehman and Saurabh Shukla further underlines the film’s emphasis on performance-driven storytelling.
Why Waheeda Rehman’s Casting Is Significant
Waheeda Rehman’s return is notable not only because of the rarity of her recent appearances but also because of the respect she commands across generations of Indian cinema.
For Sudhir Mishra, having an actor whose career includes some of Hindi cinema’s most influential films is particularly meaningful. His comments reflect the personal significance of working with an artist whose performances influenced his own relationship with cinema.
As the project moves forward, audiences will be watching closely for more details about its storyline, cast and release plans.
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