Dilip Prabhavalkar Reflects on Gandhi Role, Directors' Vision, and 'Dashavatar' Success

When we talk about Mahatma Gandhi on screen, the first image that comes to mind is often the Gandhi ji from ‘Lage Raho Munnabhai.’ Veteran actor Dilip Prabhavalkar immortalized the role with such sincerity and conviction that he went on to win a National Award for his performance. Yet, true to his humility, the actor credits not himself but his directors for shaping the memorable characters he has portrayed over the years.In an exclusive conversation with ETimes, the acclaimed actor-writer reflected on his journey and the nuances of stepping into the skin of Gandhi.“For the preparation of Gandhi’s role, the makers had given me a book by American journalist Louis Fischer. He had spent two years with Gandhi, and his writings captured detailed observations of Gandhi’s mannerisms. That book helped me immensely in understanding and preparing for the role,” Prabhavalkar shared.Known for his versatility, Prabhavalkar said he never chased roles but always trusted his directors’ vision. “I played many varieties of characters in my journey, and I am thankful that directors could see those characters in me. I never went asking for characters, but my directors saw them in me. Be it Tatya Vinchu from ‘Zapatlela,’ a mentally challenged man in ‘Chaukat Raja,’ or Gandhi in ‘Lage Raho Munnabhai,’ all these roles were entrusted to me by my directors.”Interestingly, Gandhi’s role wasn’t even offered to him at first. “I was initially approached to play one of the old people from Vidya Balan’s old-age home. But when I met Rajkumar Hirani, he kept staring at me for a long time. Then he said, ‘We will also try Gandhi with you,’ and that’s how the role came to me.”Currently, the veteran actor is celebrating the success of his latest outing, ‘Dashavatar,’ in which he plays Babuli Mestry. The film has already crossed the Rs. 20 crore mark at the box office, adding yet another feather to Prabhavalkar’s illustrious cap.