'Gandhi, My Father' turns 19: Anil Kapoor hails Akshaye Khanna as finest actor
Synopsis
Nineteen years after 'Gandhi, My Father' released, producer-actor Anil Kapoor has gone on record to call Akshaye Khanna one of the finest actors in Indian cinema. The tribute, posted on Instagram, arrives as Khanna enjoys renewed public appreciation — shining a fresh light on a film that tackled Mahatma Gandhi's complicated relationship with his eldest son Harilal.
Key Takeaways
Anil Kapoor marked the 19th anniversary of 'Gandhi, My Father' on Monday with an Instagram tribute.
He called Akshaye Khanna 'one of our finest actors' and described his performance in the film as 'truly extraordinary'.
The 2007 biographical drama is based on 'Harilal Gandhi: A Life' by Chandulal Bhagubhai Dalal .
The film also stars Darshan Jariwala , Bhumika Chawla , and Shefali Shah .
Anil and Akshaye have previously shared screen space in 'Taal' (1999) and 'No Problem' (2010).
Veteran actor and producer Anil Kapoor marked the 19th anniversary of the biographical drama 'Gandhi, My Father' on Monday by publicly celebrating co-star Akshaye Khanna, calling him one of the finest actors in the Indian film industry. The 2007 film, which Anil backed as a producer, continues to draw renewed attention as Khanna enjoys a fresh wave of public appreciation.
What Anil Kapoor Said
Taking to the Stories section of his official Instagram handle, Anil shared a poster from the film and accompanied it with a heartfelt note. 'If you haven't watched it yet, I really hope you do. It's a film I'm immensely proud of, and one that continues to stay with me. Wherever you can find it, do give it a watch,' he wrote.
He went on to lavish praise on Khanna specifically: 'Seeing all the love and appreciation Akshaye Khanna is receiving today makes me incredibly happy. It couldn't be more deserved. I've always believed he is one of our finest actors, and his performance in Gandhi, My Father is truly extraordinary. If you've seen the film, I think you'll know exactly what I mean.'
About the Film
'Gandhi, My Father' is inspired by the biography 'Harilal Gandhi: A Life' by Chandulal Bhagubhai Dalal. The drama explores the fraught and deeply personal relationship between Mahatma Gandhi and his eldest son Harilal Gandhi — a story that mainstream historical narratives have largely sidelined. Alongside Akshaye Khanna, the film features Darshan Jariwala, Bhumika Chawla, and Shefali Shah in key roles.
Anil and Akshaye: A Shared Filmography
The two actors share a history that predates 'Gandhi, My Father'. They first appeared together in the 1999 musical drama 'Taal', which also starred Aishwarya Rai. More than a decade later, they reunited for the 2010 comedy 'No Problem', a larger ensemble that included Sanjay Dutt, Suniel Shetty, Paresh Rawal, Sushmita Sen, and Kangana Ranaut.
Why the Anniversary Matters
Akshaye Khanna has been in the spotlight recently, buoyed by the reception to his recent work in 'Dhurandhar'. The anniversary of 'Gandhi, My Father' arriving at this moment has amplified discussion around one of his most critically regarded performances. Anil's public tribute adds to a growing chorus of voices recognising Khanna's range and commitment as a performer. The film remains a rare example of Indian cinema engaging seriously with the personal cost of public greatness.
Point of View
Khanna was seen as an underutilised talent; the current wave of appreciation suggests audiences are catching up. 'Gandhi, My Father' was always the outlier in mainstream Bollywood — a film that chose discomfort over spectacle. That it is being rediscovered now, rather than remembered only on milestones, says something about how audience tastes are shifting. Anil's role as producer on such a film is also worth noting: at a time when commercial risk dominated, backing a story about Mahatma Gandhi's estranged son was a genuinely unconventional call.
NationPress
3 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 'Gandhi, My Father' about?
'Gandhi, My Father' is a 2007 biographical drama that explores the troubled relationship between Mahatma Gandhi and his eldest son Harilal Gandhi. It is inspired by the biography 'Harilal Gandhi: A Life' by Chandulal Bhagubhai Dalal, and stars Akshaye Khanna in the lead role alongside Darshan Jariwala, Bhumika Chawla, and Shefali Shah.
Why did Anil Kapoor post about 'Gandhi, My Father' now?
Anil Kapoor shared an Instagram tribute to mark the film's 19th anniversary on Monday. He also used the occasion to highlight the renewed appreciation Akshaye Khanna has been receiving, calling his performance in the film 'truly extraordinary'.
Who produced 'Gandhi, My Father'?
Anil Kapoor backed 'Gandhi, My Father' as a producer. He has described the project as one he is 'immensely proud of' and continues to encourage audiences to seek it out.
What other films have Anil Kapoor and Akshaye Khanna made together?
The two actors have appeared together in three films: 'Gandhi, My Father' (2007), the 1999 musical drama 'Taal' — which also starred Aishwarya Rai — and the 2010 comedy 'No Problem', which featured an ensemble cast including Sanjay Dutt, Suniel Shetty, Paresh Rawal, Sushmita Sen, and Kangana Ranaut.
What is Akshaye Khanna's recent work?
Akshaye Khanna has recently appeared in 'Dhurandhar', which has contributed to a fresh wave of public and critical appreciation for the actor. Anil Kapoor's anniversary tribute references this renewed attention directly.
