Bothel and Threapland, Sunderland, Blindcrake, Cumberland, England, CA7 2JN, United Kingdom
Richard Attenborough’s sweeping biopic tells the life of Mahatma Gandhi across the length of India – from his birthplace in Gujarat to the site of his assassination in Delhi – and staged a funeral scene so vast it still holds a world record for the most extras ever filmed.
Where was Gandhi filmed?
Gandhi was filmed across India – Gujarat, Patna, Pune and Delhi – with some scenes in England.
Every Gandhi location, explained
1
Porbandar – Gandhi’s birthplace
The film visits Porbandar in Gujarat, the real coastal town where Gandhi was born.
2
Patna and Champaran
The early farming-rights campaigns used locations around Patna in Bihar, near the historic Champaran struggle.
3
Pune – the Aga Khan Palace
The Aga Khan Palace in Pune, where Gandhi was really imprisoned, features in the film.
4
Delhi – the assassination and funeral
The film’s climax uses Delhi, staging the vast funeral procession through the capital.
Planning a visit
The Aga Khan Palace in Pune is now a Gandhi memorial and museum open to visitors, and Porbandar in Gujarat preserves his birthplace – both genuine landmarks of the life the film portrays.
Gandhi Fun Facts
1
A world record for extras The funeral scene reportedly used around 300,000 extras – a Guinness World Record for the most in a single shot.
2
Kingsley's breakthrough Ben Kingsley, of part-Indian heritage, won Best Actor and became a star overnight.
3
A 20-year passion project Richard Attenborough spent around two decades trying to get the film made.
4
Eight Oscars The film won eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director.
5
Filmed at real sites Key locations, like the Aga Khan Palace where Gandhi was imprisoned, were the genuine historical places.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many extras were in the funeral scene?
Around 300,000 – a Guinness World Record for the most extras in a single film shot.
Can you visit the locations?
Yes – the Aga Khan Palace in Pune is now a Gandhi memorial, and Porbandar preserves his birthplace.
