A web series based on freedom fighter and Congress politician Vallabhbhai Patel is in the works, according to a press release. An adaptation of Hindol Sengupta’s 2018 biography The Man Who Saved India, the series will be produced by Sunil Bohra of Bohra Bros (The Accidental Prime Minister, Gangs of Wasseypur, Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster).
The show will tackle key incidents in Patel’s life, including his “long series of conflicts with Netaji [Subhash Chandra] Bose”, his stance on the accession of Kashmir and his family ties, the press note said. The cast and other details are yet to be confirmed.
Hindol Sengupta said that Patel’s story was “truly larger than life”. He added, “I believe that Sunil is the right person to give this story the visual mounting that it requires – and the distribution muscle that it can enthral a new generation around the world as the story of Gandhi once did.”
Bohra added in the press note, “The masterful book reveals facts bound to raise questions against the status quo and has potential to inspire heated discussions. It is vital that this web series be made to reach a wider audience and allow for Sardar Patel’s story of nation building to be seen.”
The lawyer-turned-Congress party leader served as India’s Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister until his death in 1950. He has been the subject of a biopic by Ketan Mehta, titled Sardar and starring Paresh Rawal. As a tribute to Patel on his 143rd birth anniversary in 2018, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled the Statue of Unity in Gujarat’s Narmada district.