Waheeda Rehman to play Putlibai in Sudhir Mishra's Gandhi biopic
Synopsis
Waheeda Rehman is returning to the screen — and it took a script about Gandhi's mother to do it. Cast as Putlibai alongside Manoj Bajpayee's Gandhi and directed by Sudhir Mishra, this untitled drama narrows its lens to a single, rarely told 21-day chapter in the Mahatma's life. A reunion of Indian cinema's finest, the project is already one of the most anticipated announcements of the year.
Key Takeaways
Waheeda Rehman has been cast as Putlibai , mother of Mahatma Gandhi, in a new untitled drama.
Manoj Bajpayee will portray Mahatma Gandhi ; Saurabh Shukla is also confirmed in a significant role.
The film is directed by Sudhir Mishra and produced by Anubhav Sinha and Narendra Hirawat under A Benaras Mediaworks , presented by NH Studioz .
The story focuses on a lesser-known 21-day chapter from Gandhi's life.
No release date has been announced; the project is currently untitled.
Veteran actress Waheeda Rehman is set to return to the screen in filmmaker Sudhir Mishra's yet-untitled upcoming drama, which explores a lesser-known 21-day chapter from the life of Mahatma Gandhi. The project, presented by NH Studioz and produced under A Benaras Mediaworks by Anubhav Sinha and Narendra Hirawat, marks a significant homecoming for one of Hindi cinema's most celebrated icons.
Who Plays Whom
National Award-winning actor Manoj Bajpayee will portray Mahatma Gandhi, while Waheeda Rehman has been cast as Putlibai, Gandhi's mother. Actor Saurabh Shukla is also confirmed in a significant role, alongside other cast members yet to be announced.
Sudhir Mishra on the Honour of Directing Waheeda Rehman
Mishra did not hold back his emotions when speaking about the casting. 'It fills me with immense joy to say that Waheeda Ji is going to be a part of this project!' he said. The director, who grew up watching Rehman's films in cinema halls, described the experience as surreal. '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. 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 honour to have her in this film,' Mishra added.
Producer Anubhav Sinha Weighs In
Producer Anubhav Sinha echoed the sentiment, noting that the script itself was what ultimately persuaded Rehman to step back in front of the camera. 'What an incredible honour it has been to sit and talk about movies in general with Waheeda ji, and this one in particular where Sudhir and the script convinced her to be back on set,' Sinha said. The remark underscores how the project's artistic merit, centred on an intimate and rarely documented episode in Gandhi's life, was the deciding factor for the veteran actress.
The Film's Premise and Significance
The drama focuses on a 21-day period in Gandhi's life, described by the makers as lesser-known — suggesting a more intimate, character-driven narrative rather than a sweeping biopic. Notably, the project arrives at a time when Gandhi-themed content has seen renewed audience and critical interest in Indian cinema. With Mishra's track record of nuanced, character-first storytelling and the combined weight of Bajpayee, Rehman, and Shukla, the film is already drawing considerable industry attention even before its title is announced.
What to Watch For
The production is currently in its early stages, with no release date confirmed. Casting announcements and further details are expected as the project moves into principal photography. All eyes will be on how Mishra navigates the challenge of dramatising one of history's most documented lives through a deliberately narrow and personal lens.
Point of View
Not a star vehicle, brought her back says something important about the project's artistic credibility. Sudhir Mishra has historically thrived in the space between commerce and conscience, and pairing him with Bajpayee — who has made a career of disappearing into roles — raises genuine expectations. The 21-day framing is a smart creative choice: Gandhi's life is exhaustively documented at the macro level, but intimate episodes remain largely unexplored on screen. The risk is that reverence overwhelms drama; the cast suggests it won't.
NationPress
19 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Waheeda Rehman playing in Sudhir Mishra's new film?
Waheeda Rehman has been cast as Putlibai, the mother of Mahatma Gandhi, in the yet-untitled drama directed by Sudhir Mishra. The film also stars Manoj Bajpayee in the role of Mahatma Gandhi.
What is Sudhir Mishra's new Gandhi film about?
The untitled drama explores a lesser-known 21-day chapter from the life of Mahatma Gandhi. It is directed by Sudhir Mishra and produced by Anubhav Sinha and Narendra Hirawat under A Benaras Mediaworks, presented by NH Studioz.
Who else is in the cast of the Gandhi biopic?
Apart from Manoj Bajpayee as Gandhi and Waheeda Rehman as Putlibai, actor Saurabh Shukla has been confirmed in a significant role. Additional cast members have not yet been announced.
Why did Waheeda Rehman agree to do this film?
According to producer Anubhav Sinha, it was Sudhir Mishra and the strength of the script that convinced Waheeda Rehman to return to the set. Sinha said it was 'an incredible honour' to discuss the project with her.
When will Sudhir Mishra's Gandhi film release?
No release date has been announced yet. The project is still untitled and appears to be in an early production stage, with further details expected as filming progresses.
