If Richard knew how badly he was used by a vile socialist party like Congress Party to make propaganda trash like Gandhi, he would have retired from show business!
Naseeruddin Shah nursed a huge grouse against Sir Richard Attenborough for not picking him for the lead role even though he was called for an audition.
Naseeruddin Shah went to that extent of accusing Attenborough of a racial bias for picking a white man.
Naseer said all this audition stuff is an eyewash when he came to know that he is not selected but Ben Kingsley.
When I met Sir Richard much later in Cannes, I asked him this question of Naseeruddin Shah.
Sir Richard replied, I can understand Naseer's feelings; to be honest quite a few things went against him and the prime reason, if am compelled to choose one, is that intensity in his eyes; this intensity is caused by constricting pupils which happens over a very long period of time and is a function of so many factors including the personality of that person. I can't change that piercing eyes; Gandhi is a noble and peaceful character and not an intense one; hence the actor playing this character must have dilated pupils as much as possible. Naseer never understood that. It is not about the shape of your face, height, built; almost always it is about eyes and audience connect with those stares. Naseer built his character on the lines of Al Pacino projecting intensity in every role that he does; it may have won accolades elsewhere but here that factor goes against him. Now you accuse me of racial bias; Gawd help me!
