'Summer Of 77': Rahul Bhat recalls childhood encounter with Sanjay Gandhi: I sat on his lap

Rahul Bhat is stepping into the shoes of the controversial political figure Sanjay Gandhi in Sudhir Mishra’s upcoming project ‘Summer Of 77’.


In a recent interview, the actor opened up about a personal childhood memory of meeting Sanjay Gandhi, an encounter that unexpectedly paved the way for his deep connection with the character he’s now portraying.


When Rahul met Sanjay Gandhi
While speaking to India Today Digital, Rahul Bhat reminisced about a moment from his early years when he met Sanjay Gandhi in person. "I sat on his lap, and he gave me one of those glucose biscuits, I still remember that," Bhat recalled, describing the energy and aura Sanjay exuded. This fleeting childhood interaction clearly left a mark on him.


Recreating the aura of a forgotten politician
Rahul Bhat acknowledged the challenge of playing a figure who, for many in the current generation, is almost a forgotten name. “I feel today's generation has forgotten even Mahatma Gandhi; woh Sanjay Gandhi ko kya hi yaad rakhenge,” he said, reflecting on the erasure of certain figures from public memory. Yet, Bhat took this challenge head-on, attempting to embody the late politician’s energy, style, and speech patterns. “I have tried to get that right, his aura, his style, his way of talking. I have tried; let’s see what people think,” he added.


The Cannes recognition
Rahul Bhat, known for his roles in critically acclaimed films like 'Section 375,' 'Kennedy,' and 'Ugly,' recently made headlines after unveiling his Hollywood debut 'Lost and Found in Kumbh' at the Cannes Film Festival.


The film is yet to release in theatres. With Summer Of 77, he now takes on one of his most complex and politically charged roles to date. The Sudhir Mishra directorial promises to be an intense look into a pivotal chapter of Indian history, with Rahul Bhat at its heart.


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