New Delhi, March 8 – Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan revealed that while he loved the story of Lagaan, he was apprehensive about making the film due to widespread skepticism regarding its potential success. The film, which revolves around a rural Indian villager forming a cricket team to defeat the British and avoid paying a triple tax, was eventually nominated for an Oscar and became one of Indian cinema’s biggest milestones.
As per agency reports, Aamir shared his experience during the India Today Conclave, recalling the moment when director Ashutosh Gowariker first approached him with the script. While he was deeply intrigued by the storyline, several industry experts, including veteran screenwriter Javed Akhtar, expressed doubts about its box office prospects. Akhtar reportedly told Khan that a film centered around sports, particularly cricket, would not work commercially.
Additionally, Akhtar pointed out that movies featuring Amitabh Bachchan’s voiceover had not performed well at the box office. Even Bachchan himself echoed these concerns when Aamir discussed the project with him. Despite these apprehensions, Khan decided to take the risk, leading to the creation of a film that not only achieved commercial success but also won the Best Film Audience Award at the Locarno Film Festival in 2001.
Reflecting on the film’s journey, Aamir recalled an iconic dialogue from the movie, "Humne kauno galti to nahi ki?" He and Gowariker would jokingly repeat this line throughout the filmmaking process, wondering if they had made the right decision. He admitted that while he has a reputation for taking risks in Bollywood, he often experiences fear alongside his bold choices. However, he added that this very fear serves as a source of motivation for him.
Lagaan remains one of Indian cinema’s most celebrated films, proving that unconventional storytelling, when executed with conviction, can resonate with audiences worldwide.
