The title 'Mahatma' was bestowed on to Mohan Das Karamchand Gandhi by Noble laureate poet Rabindranath Tagore. 'Father of the Nation', another title, was conferred on Gandhi by Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose. Recently the United Nations has declared Gandhi's birthday, October 2, to be observed as International Day of Non-violence.

Believed to be an ardent follower of secularism, many are perhaps unaware of the fact that Gandhi disowned his eldest son Hiralal after he converted to Islam.

Eldest of four brothers, Hiralal Gandhi returned to India from South Africa to make a career of his own. He roamed in the streets of India for seven years after which he resorted to alcohol. Married with three children, Hiralal adopted Islam; a religion he believed would give him some kind of solace.

The film gives a fascinating insight into the relationship between Mahatma Gandhi and Hiralal, a relationship that hasn't been delved into much until now.

The cast includes Akshay Khanna as Hiralal, Shefali Shah as Kasturba Gandhi, Bhoomika Chawla portraying Hiralal's wife and Darshan Jariwala playing the role of Mahatma Gandhi.

The film is being directed by Feroze Abbas Khan, a leading theatre director.

Gandhi, My Father, is said to be one of the biggest Indian films in terms of scale. Most of the principal technicians, including cinematographer David McDonald, are internationally acclaimed.

The film has been shot mainly in South Africa, Ahmedabad, Mumbai and Bhoir, near Pune.