Bollywood is no stranger to tales of camaraderie and unusual behind-the-scenes antics, but few stories resonate as deeply as those from the sets of Ashutosh Gowariker’s 2001 masterpiece, ‘Lagaan’. Yashpal Sharma, the seasoned actor who played the role of Lakha in the film, recently opened up about his experience on set and provided a fascinating glimpse into the off-camera life led by the cast and crew, all under the strategic guidance of none other than superstar Aamir Khan.
Sharma, speaking on the Friday Talkies YouTube channel, offered an illuminating portrait of Aamir Khan that starkly contrasts with the typical image of a Bollywood megastar. “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,” Sharma disclosed, debunking any myths of Khan’s arrogance.
Set in the dusty locales of Bhuj, the shooting of ‘Lagaan’ was an intensive five-month affair that demanded resilience and a tight-knit group dynamic. Sharma fondly remembers how Aamir Khan played the role of a unifier, ensuring that the cast stayed focused and harmonious, even in the absence of distractions like alcohol and women. Aamir’s methods were unconventional but effective. He would join the cast in sitting in the dirt, savoring tea from a humble paper cup, and at the end of grueling shoot days, he would gather everyone for card games. “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 tales of bonding did not end with the grueling days on set. Sharma also revealed that the spirit of ‘Lagaan’ lived on through the annual card parties that Aamir hosts every Diwali for the cast and crew. “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 added, highlighting Khan’s continuing commitment to the friendships forged during the filming.
Released in 2001, ‘Lagaan’ has etched its place as an iconic film in Bollywood history. Directed by Ashutosh Gowariker, the movie is set during the British colonial era in late 19th century India. The plot centers around the villagers of Champaner, who faced exorbitant taxes imposed by the British authorities, and the bold bet posed by British officer Captain Andrew Russell, portrayed in the film.
Aamir Khan’s character, Bhuvan, emerges as the village’s spirited leader, accepting Russell’s challenge to a cricket match that carried high stakes: a victory would mean tax exemption for three years, but a loss would triple the villagers’ burdens. The storyline encapsulates the essence of struggle, unity, and resilience as Bhuvan and his fellow villagers, initially unfamiliar with the game of cricket, undergo rigorous training and develop their skills, all to stand a chance against the seasoned British team.
Beyond its narrative of a high-stakes cricket match, ‘Lagaan’ delves deeply into themes of social stratification, injustice, and the power of collective action. It presents a metaphorical battleground through the sport of cricket, drawing potent parallels with the Indian struggle for independence. The movie was lauded for its authentic and poignant portrayal of these themes, supported by stellar performances, direction, and a memorable musical score.
‘Lagaan’ received widespread critical acclaim and garnered numerous awards both within India and on international platforms. It was highly appreciated for its performances, direction, and cinematography, and remains a beloved classic in the annals of Indian cinema.
As Yashpal Sharma’s anecdotes illustrate, the magic of ‘Lagaan’ was not confined to the silver screen but was also an intrinsic part of the behind-the-scenes experience. Through the lens of Sharma’s recollections, the audience gains an enriched understanding of the film’s enduring legacy and the remarkable human connections that made it possible. From Aamir Khan’s down-to-earth demeanor and strategic leadership to the genuine camaraderie forged among the cast, the story of ‘Lagaan’ continues to enchant, both on and off the screen.
(With inputs from ANI)
