Who among the following directed the biographical film "Sardar", which portrays the life and role of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in India freedom struggle?

Introduction / Context:
This question belongs to Indian cinema and history. The film "Sardar" is a biographical movie about Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, one of the key leaders in the Indian freedom movement and the country first Deputy Prime Minister. The question asks you to identify the director from among a list of well known filmmakers.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The film title is "Sardar".
• The subject is the life of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
• Four respected directors of Indian cinema are listed as options.
• Only one of them actually directed this particular film.

Concept / Approach:
The film "Sardar" was directed by Ketan Mehta. He is known for making several historical and socially relevant films. Other options such as Tapan Sinha, Shyam Benegal and Buddhadeb Das Gupta have their own filmographies, but none of them is credited with directing this particular biographical movie about Patel. Knowing the director filmography helps answer correctly.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that "Sardar" is a 1990s film focusing on Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel life and political contributions. Step 2: Remember that Ketan Mehta directed this film, which starred actors like Paresh Rawal in key roles. Step 3: Consider the other directors. Shyam Benegal has directed many political and historical films but not "Sardar". Step 4: Tapan Sinha and Buddhadeb Das Gupta are renowned directors, chiefly known for their Bengali and art house cinema. Step 5: Since only Ketan Mehta matches the known credits for this film, choose option C.

Verification / Alternative check:
Film databases and end credits for "Sardar" clearly list Ketan Mehta as the director. Interviews and promotional material from the time of release also identify him as the creative force behind the project. No authoritative source attributes this film to any of the other listed directors.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Tapan Sinha, Shyam Benegal and Buddhadeb Das Gupta directed many significant films, but each associated with different titles and themes. They appear in the options because they are known for serious cinema, but they did not direct "Sardar". Selecting them would indicate confusion between different historical films and directors.

Common Pitfalls:
Because Shyam Benegal has a strong reputation for political and historical films, many candidates instinctively choose his name whenever a biographical film is mentioned. To avoid this, it is important to remember specific director movie pairs, such as Ketan Mehta with "Sardar". Making a small list of major biopics and their directors is a useful exam preparation technique.

Final Answer:
Ketan Mehta