In Pictures: Bollywood actors and the historical figures they played

King Ashoka in ‘Asoka’

‘Asoka’ was directed and co-written by Santosh Sivan released on October 26, 2001. The film stars Shah Rukh Khan, Kareena Kapoor in the lead roles. The movie was a bit different from history. It was screened across United Kingdom, north America. Shah Rukh Khan played the role of Prince Asoka Maurya. It was Shah Rukh Khan’s dream project.

Maratha Peshwa Bajirao in ‘Bajirao Mastani’

None can forget this movie! ‘Bajirao Mastani’ was the highest grossing Indian film of all time. It was directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali and starred Ranveer Singh, Priyanka Chopra, Deepika Padukone. It was released on December 18, 2015. The role of Maratha Peshwa Bajirao was played by Ranveer Singh and it was loved by audience. Ranveer Singh even won many awards for his role in the movie last year.

Bhagat Singh in ‘The Legend Of Bhagat Singh’

‘The Legend Of Bhagat Singh’ was a 2002 release about Bhagat Singh, a freedom fighter who fought for Indian Independence. It was directed by Rajkumar Santoshi and starred Ajay Devgan who played the role of Bhagat Singh in the movie. The actor looked every inch of the character. Ajay even won the National Award for his role in the movie for best actor and the movie won Best Regional Film (Hindi).

Emperor Akbar in ‘Jodha Akbar’

The role was played by Hrithik Roshan. ‘Jodha Akbar’ was released on February 15, 2008. It was directed by Ashutosh Gowariker and starred Hrithik Roshan, Aishwarya Rai and Sonu Sood in the lead roles. From clothes to getting his posture right, Hrithik Roshan put in a lot of work to play Akbar. The makers were sure about how they wanted Hrithik Roshan to look for which they made sure Hrithik Roshan’s moustache pointed, jewellery matched the Mughal period. The movie was declared a blockbuster and won many awards that year.

Mahatma Gandhi in ‘Gandhi My Father’

‘Gandhi My Father’ is a 2007 release by Feroz Abbas Khan and it was produced by actor Anil Kapoor. The film explores the troubled relationship between Mahatma Gandhi and his son Harilal Gandhi. Darshan Jariwala played the role of Mahatma Gandhi. The film won the National award and actor Darshan Jariwala won Best supporting actor.

Kashibai in ‘Bajirao Mastani’

Yet another character from the same movie ‘Bajirao Mastani’ that is Kashibai this role was played by Priyanka Chopra. She was the wife of Peshwa Bajirao. Priyanka Chopra played it really well and received many awards for the same. Her role was loved by the audience and she really received good review for her role in the movie.

Raja Ravi Varma in ‘Rang Rasiya’

The role of Raja Ravi Varma was played by Randeep Hooda and Nandana Sen as his love interest. The movie was directed by Ketan Mehta. ‘Color Of Passion’ in English. It was screened at 2008 The Time BFI London Film Festival. Due to Censor Board’s objection the release date of the movie was postponed and given the date November 7, 2014. We wonder if Raja Ravi Varma was really as bold as Randeep Hooda shown in the movie.

Sardar Vallabhai Patel in ‘Sardar(1993)’

‘Sardar’ is a biopic on Sardar Vallabhai Patel, one of the India’s greatest freedom fighters and it was directed by Ketan Mehta. Paresh Rawal played the role of Sardar Vallabhai Patel. It was released in 1993.