Munnabhaiâs Gandhigiri attains cult status
vandana Kalra
New Delhi: Dadagiri nahi karne ka, Gandhigiri karne ka… this lingual construction may have sounded alien to the Mahatma, but there’s no scepticism that itâs Gandhigiri rather than Gandhism that has generated an interest in knowing more about him.
The lovable Munnabhai and his frolics in Lage Raho Munnabhai have certainly brought Gandhi to the limelight, and people are suddenly looking up to the Mahatma to ward of their troubles and imbibe his principles to handle day-today situations.
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âThe last time I was stuck in a traffic jam, I did not constantly honk like I normally do. Instead, I kept my cool and remembered Gandhiâs philosophy of patience,â says businessman Ravi Arora, who says the movie could be credited for the transition.
People may have been aware of Satyagraha and non-violence, but it is Munnabhai’s trick of using them practically that seems to have made a difference.
âThe movie does not portray Gandhi as someone fighting colonial rule. Rather, just like one of us, handling real life situations in 2006,â says homemaker Sulekha Sharma, who watched the movie for the second time on Gandhi Jayanti.
So, has Gandhi finally come of age?
For nine-year-old Rohit Sethi, his superhero title, which was reserved for Superman till sometime back will now be shared by Gandhi. âI like Gandhiji. He is old and doesn’t say much, but he is nice,â says Sethi.
His mother adds, âWe usually don’t let him watch Hindi movies because they are too violent, but we showed him Lage Raho… to educate him about Gandhiâs philosophy in a way that will appeal to him.â
The Gandhi rage is certainly on an all-time high. No wonder then, that even Raj Kumar Hirani’s announcement of launching comics on Lage Raho Munnabhai is being welcomed wholeheartedly.
âThe comics will definitely be popular. Not only will they make for a good read, but will also impart moral values,â says 22-year-old Sapna Gautam.
However, there are cynics who feel Gandhigiri is just another fad, and it will fade away in a few months.
âThe movie may be remembered for its entertainment value, but the principles of Gandhi will be forgotten soon,â says Vikas Gupta, manager REMS Relationship.
While only time will decide the longevity of Gandhigiri, at present, the Mahatmaâs iconic status seems to have got a new avatar.
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