Lagaan: Did you know Ashutosh Gowariker directed a part of Aamir Khan-led iconic film from hospital bed?

As a seasoned lifestyle expert reflecting on my two and a half decades in the dynamic world of Indian cinema, I can’t help but reminisce about my remarkable journey that began by working alongside esteemed directors such as Mira Nair and Ang Lee. My big break came when I partnered with Ashutosh Gowariker on the critically acclaimed film, Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India.

Recently, I had the opportunity to share stories from this incredible journey during an interview. One particular tale that stands out is the challenging production process of Lagaan, which included Ashutosh directing parts of the movie while lying in a hospital bed – a testament to his unwavering dedication and passion for the project.

In an interview with Friday Talkies, Apoorva Lakhia discussed Ashutosh Gowariker’s relentless dedication to the film Lagaan, despite suffering from a slipped disc. He pointed out that during specific scenes, he was often seen standing next to Gowariker, transmitting his instructions through a microphone.

Lakhia pointed out that the project was proceeding smoothly because they were mainly capturing wide-angle scenes then, which didn’t necessitate the director’s constant interaction with the performers at that moment. Yet, he admitted that this delay pushed back the filming timeline past their original schedule.

During the filming process, it was disclosed by Lakhia that a prearranged sequence for a match under the cover of night had to be cut. Looking back on the challenges encountered during production, he pointed out that individuals carried torches while barefoot and clad in traditional Indian attire consisting of dhoti and banian.

He underscored the commitment and struggles faced by the actors, stressing that these sacrifices significantly influenced the movie’s power. Lakhia also confessed that working on Lagaan was an incredibly taxing process for him, to the point where he took a break from filmmaking for two years and even enrolled in a culinary school during that period.

Ashutosh Gowariker’s 2001 movie, “Lagaan,” featuring Aamir Khan, is set in India during the colonial era of 1893. The story unfolds as a group of villagers, burdened by excessive taxes imposed by the British, choose an unusual path by agreeing to play a critical game of cricket.

Winning would relieve them of the heavy tax burden, transforming the game into more than just a sport; it would become a struggle for justice and respect.

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2025-02-16 11:22