Kerala: Reel life Gandhi wants to make a difference in real

Thiruvananthapuram: Sixty-five-year-old George Paul, an actor, has played the role of Mahatma Gandhi more than 2,000 times. His reel life experience has now inspired him to make a difference in real life as well. Thanks to George Paul, little kids are getting to know the Father of The Nation better.

The 65-year-old has an uncanny resemblance to Mahatma Gandhi. That explains why Paul has played the role of Gandhi over 2,000 times in movies, documentaries, stage shows or such appearances.

"The world around us is marred by all kinds of violence. It's important, especially for the younger generation to understand what Gandhiji stood for - his message of peace and non violence. I feel great that I can reach out to so many people about the same," Paul said.

It all began in 1985 when Paul's friends asked him to participate in a May Day fancy-dress competition. Without any second thoughts, Paul tonsured his head to don the role of Gandhiji. Ever since, there has been no looking back. His home and his colony were aptly re-named Sabarmati Nagar. Important roles in movies like Yugapurushan, Periyar enthused him to know more about Bapu through books and people who had interacted with the Mahatma.

"I know it's impossible to be exactly him. But I try to adopt the good values that he propagated. For instance, I have become a vegetarian and learnt the art of patience," Paul said.

With the support of family and friends, Paul is now busy travelling across Kerala and spreading the word of peace and ahimsa.

At a time when the Father of the Nation is confined to chapters in history books, here is a man who believes that he is destined to bring alive the Mahatma time and again. Hopefully this year he will fulfill a long cherished dream - to visit the Sabarmati ashram in Gujarat and get closer to his real life hero.

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