Seasoned actor Yashpal Sharma, best known for his role as Lakha in the critically acclaimed 2001 film ‘Lagaan’ directed by Ashutosh Gowariker, has shared some fascinating behind-the-scenes stories from the sets of the Aamir Khan-starrer. In a candid conversation, Sharma revealed how the team bonded during the extensive shoot in Bhuj and highlighted how Aamir Khan effectively managed to keep the cast disciplined and focused on their work.
Discussing his initial expectations of working with Aamir Khan, Sharma admitted that he presumed the superstar might be somewhat arrogant. Speaking on the Friday Talkies YouTube channel, he stated, “I thought Aamir would be arrogant because that’s what my experiences with stars had taught me. Some NSD graduates would also think of themselves as stars… But Aamir is a wonderful human being, first and foremost.”
Expanding on his experiences, Sharma painted a picture of a grounded and approachable Aamir Khan, who would often sit in the dirt and drink tea from a paper cup, just like any other crew member. The camaraderie on the set was further reinforced through Aamir’s initiatives, including the organization of a cards club. “Maybe it was Aamir’s strategy to keep everybody away from women and booze, and from getting into random fights. Everybody was together on that set, and we maintained it for over five months. The passion, the late nights, the camaraderie all translated onto the screen,” said Sharma.
The sense of unity and friendship forged on the ‘Lagaan’ set has had enduring effects, as Sharma mentioned that Aamir Khan continues to host card parties for the ‘Lagaan’ crew every Diwali. “We would have gol gappas together, we went to watch a movie together, we played cricket together, we would rehearse together. But look at Aamir’s humility, he invites us to his house for card parties every Diwali,” he fondly remarked.
The backdrop for these unique tales is, of course, the film ‘Lagaan’, an iconic Bollywood feature that was released in 2001. Directed by Ashutosh Gowariker, the movie is set in the late 19th century during the British colonial era in India. Its plot centers around the small village of Champaner, which is burdened by exorbitant taxes imposed by the British authorities.
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Aamir Khan played the role of Bhuvan, a young and spirited villager who leads his fellow villagers in challenging British officer Captain Andrew Russell to a high-stakes game of cricket. The stakes are high: if Bhuvan and his team win, the villagers are exempted from paying taxes for the next three years; if they lose, the tax burden is tripled.
The story chronicles the journey of Bhuvan and his team as they prepare for the cricket match, learning the game from scratch and overcoming various hurdles. The villagers, who initially have no knowledge of cricket, undergo rigorous training to compete against the seasoned British players.
‘Lagaan’ not only showcases the villagers’ resilience, unity, and determination as they challenge the British authorities but also delves into broader themes of social stratification, injustice, and the strength of collective action. The film serves as a metaphoric battleground highlighting the Indian independence struggle.
The film garnered universal acclaim and achieved significant commercial success. It won numerous awards in India and gained international recognition, particularly for its performances, direction, music, and cinematography.
Returning to the anecdotes from the sets, another aspect of Aamir Khan’s down-to-earth personality was his willingness to share simple pleasures and activities with his colleagues. Yashpal Sharma emphasized that this greatly contributed to the tightly-knit community feel among the cast and crew, effectively preventing any distractions that might arise from the typical pitfalls of movie set environments.
Sharma also highlighted Khan’s humble nature, which was surprising for many but earned him deep respect from his peers. The fact that Khan, despite being a superstar, engaged in and enjoyed everyday activities with the crew, further entrenched this respect.
Wrapping up, Sharma’s recollections shed light on the unique environment on the sets of ‘Lagaan’, underscoring the non-traditional methods Aamir Khan employed to create a focused, united, and harmonious team. These methods not only kept potential distractions at bay but also translated into the exceptional on-screen chemistry and the film’s overall success.
‘Lagaan’ remains a milestone in Bollywood cinema and a testament to what can be achieved with strong leadership, unity, and collective effort, as exemplified by Aamir Khan’s approach during its making.
