In film and general knowledge, who played the role of Mahatma Gandhi in the 1982 Oscar winning biographical movie titled Gandhi?

Introduction / Context:
The 1982 film Gandhi is a widely acclaimed biographical movie that portrays the life and philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi, the leader of the Indian independence movement. The film won multiple Academy Awards and featured a remarkable performance in the title role. This question asks you to recall which actor played Gandhi in that film, an item that often appears in general knowledge and film related quizzes.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The film Gandhi was released in 1982 and went on to win Oscars, including awards for acting and direction.
• Ben Kingsley is a well known actor recognised for portraying Gandhi.
• Saeed Jaffrey acted in many films but did not play Gandhi in this movie.
• Marlon Brando was a famous Hollywood actor known for other roles, and Richard Attenborough was the director of Gandhi.

Concept / Approach:
Ben Kingsley played the role of Mahatma Gandhi in the 1982 film and received widespread critical acclaim for his performance, including an Academy Award for Best Actor. Richard Attenborough directed the film and is often associated with it, which can cause confusion, but he did not portray Gandhi on screen. Saeed Jaffrey had supporting roles in various international films, and Marlon Brando is known for classic performances in other movies, not for playing Gandhi. By matching the film title, the release year and the role, we can identify Ben Kingsley as the correct actor.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall the 1982 biographical film Gandhi, which focuses on the life of Mahatma Gandhi. Step 2: Remember that the actor who played Gandhi in this film is Ben Kingsley, who won the Academy Award for Best Actor for this role. Step 3: Check option a and see that it lists Ben Kingsley, matching your recollection. Step 4: Consider option d, Richard Attenborough, and recall that he directed the film but did not act as Gandhi. Step 5: Recognise that Saeed Jaffrey and Marlon Brando are accomplished actors but are not associated with the title role in this specific movie, confirming Ben Kingsley as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
Film history references and lists of Academy Award winners show Ben Kingsley winning the Best Actor award for his portrayal of Mahatma Gandhi in Gandhi at the 55th Academy Awards. Richard Attenborough is credited as the director and also received awards for his work behind the camera. Cast lists for the film confirm that Ben Kingsley is credited in the title role, while Saeed Jaffrey appears in a supporting role and Marlon Brando is not part of the cast. These details align with the recognition of Kingsley as the actor who played Gandhi in the 1982 film.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option b, Saeed Jaffrey, is a respected actor who appeared in many international productions but did not play the title role of Gandhi in this film.

Option c, Marlon Brando, is known for roles in films such as The Godfather and A Streetcar Named Desire, not for portraying Gandhi.

Option d, Richard Attenborough, directed Gandhi and is praised for his direction, but he did not appear as Mahatma Gandhi in the movie.

Common Pitfalls:
Some learners confuse the director of a famous film with its lead actor, especially when both are frequently mentioned together in award discussions. Others may recall that several Indian actors participated in the project and mistakenly choose one of them. To avoid such confusion, it helps to memorise the pairing of Ben Kingsley as the actor portraying Gandhi and Richard Attenborough as the director of the film Gandhi, and to recognise this combination as a common general knowledge question.

Final Answer:
The role of Mahatma Gandhi in the 1982 Oscar winning film Gandhi was played by Ben Kingsley.