Hansal Mehta’s highly-awaited web series Gandhi just got a lot bigger with a new cast announcement. British actor Tom Felton, best known for playing Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter films, is onboard for a significant role in the show. According to a Deadline report, Felton will play Josiah Oldfield, a close friend of Mahatma Gandhi during his time in London while he was studying law. While Pratik Gandhi will essay Gandhi, Bhamini Oza will play Kasturba Gandhi. The series is based on Ramachandra Guha’s two books, Gandhi Before India and Gandhi: The Years That Changed the World.
The director himself announced the fresh casting on social media and wrote, “We’re in the thick of our shoot. Thrilled to be directing this stellar international cast – Tom Felton, Libby Mai, Molly Wright, Ralph Adeniyi, James Murray, Lindon Alexander, Jonno Davies, Simon Lennon.”
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The Harry Potter star has already begun filming for the series. Felton recently opened up about his feelings on playing such an important role. He also spoke about the relationship between Mahatma and Josiah, explaining that their lives would have been different if they had never met.
“It is about the relationship between the two of them (Gandhi and Josiah) and how they found each other at exactly the right time. And how, without meeting each other, their lives would have definitely been different. Certainly, Gandhi’s would have been, and therefore the whole world would have been a very different place,” the actor told Variety at the shoot location.
Felton also shared how he did a lot of research before playing Oldfield and took his grandfather’s help, whom he describes as “very wise” in history.
“Most of my research has been done on the spot, literally live with the director. That’s the best thing about working with not only an Indian crew but someone who knows a lot more about it than Wikipedia,” he added.
Tom Felton ‘Astonished’ With Pratik Gandhi’s Performance
During the conversation, Tom Felton also shared his experience while working alongside Pratik Gandhi. Noting that it was difficult for him to keep up with the lead actor who plays Gandhi, he couldn’t stop praising Pratik for his “astonishing” performance.
“He is astonishing at getting into character very quickly, and I have never heard him slip one line. I’ve slipped quite a few. It’s amazing to be surrounded by such effortless talent. It brings your game up,” Felton said.
Prior to this, the 36-year-old actor expressed his excitement about being a part of Gandhi’s journey, describing the chance to work with Hansal Mehta and Pratik Gandhi as an “honour and pleasure.”
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