When Pankaj Kapur Became the Voice of Mahatma Gandhi and Lost His Job Because of Dubbing

Veteran Hindi film actor Pankaj Kapur, recently celebrated his 71st birthday. Known for his exceptional acting skills, theatre contributions, and iconic roles in Indian cinema, he has carved a unique place in the industry. However, not many know that during the early days of his career, he struggled significantly — and even lost his job.

Yes, it's true — and he himself revealed this in an interview with BBC Hindi. So which film was it? And why did he have to lose his job for it? Let’s find out the answers from the man himself.

 In 1982, legendary director Richard Attenborough released a film that went on to win 8 Academy Awards. The name of the film was ‘Gandhi’. Pankaj Kapur played the role of Mahatma Gandhi’s secretary Pyarelal Nayar in the film.

Although Sir Ben Kingsley played the lead role of Gandhi, it was Pankaj Kapur who voiced Mahatma Gandhi in the Hindi version of the film. This opportunity wasn’t easy — he had to lose his job at the National School of Drama (NSD) because of his dubbing commitments. Speaking about it, he said, “Initially they allowed me, but later they refused and terminated me,” he recalls. “I lost my job, but a new path opened up.”

 The Journey Started at Nataraj Studio

Pankaj Kapur was told about an ongoing audition at Nataraj Studio for the Hindi dubbing of Gandhi. He went there and delivered two lines from Shakespeare in English — just to prove he was educated and trained in theatre. That helped him get shortlisted.

 Recognition Through the Play ‘Mukhyamantri’

At the time, Kapur was performing in a stage play called Mukhyamantri in Delhi, where he played the role of the Chief Minister’s secretary. That’s when Richard Attenborough noticed him. “I think my face must have resembled Pyarelal ji in my youth,” says Kapur. “That’s probably what caught Attenborough’s eye. I was called for an audition the very next morning.”

 The Real Test at BR Studios

He was called to BR Studio, where he was asked to dub a particularly challenging scene — one where Gandhi is on a hunger strike and speaks very softly. Kapur dubbed the scene, and Attenborough was so impressed that he immediately finalized him as the Hindi voice of Gandhi.

Kapur said the dubbing experience was far from easy. He revealed that he would dub for 11 hours a day, and the script kept changing during the process.

Om Puri Became His Support System

After losing his theatre job due to dubbing, Kapur moved from Delhi to Mumbai. His close friend Om Puri introduced him to filmmaker Shyam Benegal, who was making a film called Arohan (1982).

“Shyam Benegal was the only director who offered me work in our first meeting,” recalls Kapur. “That’s how my journey in Hindi cinema began.”

 Forging a Unique Identity in Cinema

Though it took time for Pankaj Kapur to establish himself in the film industry, he eventually became a respected and celebrated figure. Some of his iconic films include:

Rakh, Mohan Joshi Hazir Ho, Ek Ruka Hua Faisla, Ek Doctor Ki Maut, Roja, Maqbool, Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola, Chala Mussaddi Office Office, Sehar, Finding Fanny, Dus, Halla Bol, Bheed, Lost, Shaandaar, Binny and Family, Jab Khuli Kitaab, and the web series IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack.

 On television, he became a household name through shows like Karamchand (1985–1988), Neem Ka Ped (1991), Office Office, and Poos Ki Raat (based on a story by Munshi Premchand).

Pankaj Kapur has won three National Film Awards and one Filmfare Award for his exceptional performances. Even today, he continues to make valuable contributions to Indian cinema.

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