Waheeda Rehman joins Gandhi film: Actor returns as Putlibai

Veteran actor Waheeda Rehman is set to make a rare return to the screen with Sudhir Mishra’s upcoming directorial venture, which is backed by Anubhav Sinha. According to reports, Rehman has joined the cast of the film and will portray Putlibai, the mother of Mahatma Gandhi.

Manoj Bajpayee

will play Gandhi in the historical drama, which also features Saurabh Shukla in a significant role.

Sudhir Mishra on casting Waheeda Rehman

Speaking to Variety India about Waheeda Rehman joining the project, director Sudhir Mishra expressed his excitement over working with the veteran actor. He said, “It fills me with immense joy to say that Waheedaji is going to be a part of this project! I have such a deep and personal connection with films like ‘Pyaasa’, ‘Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam’, ‘Kaagaz Ke Phool’ and ‘Guide’. I grew up watching these films, mostly on the big screen, and they have stayed with me in ways I can't quite put into words.

”Mishra added, “I still can't quite believe that someone who has been a part of these legendary films is now going to be a part of a project I'm directing. It feels incredibly special and surreal. It is an absolute honor to have her in this film.”

A look at Waheeda Rehman’s illustrious legacy

Waheeda Rehman is one of Indian cinema’s most celebrated actors, with a career spanning more than seven decades. She won the National Film Award for Best Actress for her performance in ‘Reshma Aur Shera’ (1971) and was honoured with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2021.

Over the course of her career, Rehman has appeared in several acclaimed and iconic films, including ‘Pyaasa’ (1957), ‘Kaagaz Ke Phool’ (1959), ‘Chaudhvin Ka Chand’ (1960), ‘Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam’ (1962), ‘Guide’ (1965), ‘Khamoshi’ (1969), ‘Reshma Aur Shera’ (1971) and ‘Mashaal’ (1981).The veteran actor was last seen on screen in the 2021 film ‘Skater Girl’.

What the Sudhir Mishra film is about

The upcoming film explores a lesser-known 21-day episode from Mahatma Gandhi’s life, focusing on the personal choices and relationships that shaped him during India’s struggle for independence. The story aims to combine an intimate human drama with the larger historical context of the freedom movement, offering a nuanced look at a significant chapter in Gandhi’s life. Manoj Bajpayee will essay the role of Gandhi, while Waheeda Rehman will portray his mother, Putlibai.

Directed by Sudhir Mishra, the film is produced by Anubhav Sinha and Narendra Hirawat under Benaras Mediaworks and presented by NH Studioz.