While Munna Bhai MBBS (2003) introduced the world to the jadoo ki jhappi (the hug of magic), its sequel Lage Raho Munna Bhai (2006) made popular the term, Gandhigiri (the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi). Both films were written and directed by Rajkumar Hirani, with the second film releasing 20 years ago on September 1.

In an interview with PTI, Rajkumar said, "My fascination with Gandhi ji started with when I saw Richard Attenborough's Gandhi, I was blown by that film and the man. We read about Gandhi ji in school, but after that film, I started reading more about him, his autobiography, thousands of books written on him."

In Lage Raho Munna Bhai (2006), Mahatma Gandhi was portrayed by actor Dilip Prabhavalkar. Speaking about the actor's portrayal of Gandhi, Rajkumar said, "One day, we sat down for his make-up, did the prosthetics and everything. He came with that stick, and started walking towards me. I felt Gandhi ji was walking towards me. I'll never forget that and I had tears in my eyes. I went and touched his feet."

With Sanjay Dutt as the titular character, the cast of the film also includes Arshad Warsi, Vidya Balan, Jimmy Shergill, Boman Irani, and Dia Mirza, among others.