In a revealing interview, veteran actor Akhilendra Mishra has shed light on the monumental impact of the 2001 film Lagaan, describing it as the definitive turning point that altered the global perception of Indian cinema and paved the way for future recognition at prestigious platforms like the Academy Awards. He credited actor-producer Aamir Khan for his unwavering belief and leadership, which were instrumental in this historic shift.
The Long Oscar Drought Before Lagaan
Mishra began by revisiting India's sparse history with the Oscars prior to Lagaan's landmark entry. He pointed out that Mother India was the first Indian film to be nominated for an Oscar back in 1956. After that, there was a significant gap. While many cite Salaam Bombay! as a follow-up, Mishra clarified a crucial detail: "It wasn't technically an Indian film—it was a British production, even though its backdrop and soul were Indian. Its Oscar entry came from Britain." This highlighted the absence of a truly Indian cinematic ambassador on that global stage for decades.
How Lagaan Shattered Global Perceptions
According to Mishra, the landscape transformed dramatically with the release of Lagaan in 2001. "Before that, Indian films weren't even being considered seriously. Lagaan changed that perception," he stated. The film made international audiences and critics suddenly realize that Indian filmmakers could produce works of grand scale, with deep conversational narratives and larger-than-life appeal. The extraordinary fusion of historical context with the sport of cricket was particularly highlighted as a groundbreaking achievement. "It was truly historic," Mishra emphasized.
Addressing the film's Oscar loss to No Man's Land, Mishra framed it as a matter of timing and fierce competition rather than a lack of merit. "Lagaan finished at number two—just a mark or two away. It was sheer hard luck," he explained, underscoring how close India came to winning the coveted statue.
The Night of the Academy Awards and Aamir Khan's Leadership
Mishra shared vivid memories from the Oscars night, recalling how the entire Lagaan team and Aamir Khan's production office stayed up together to watch the ceremony. By morning, the media was swarming outside. "Aamir was there the whole night. We met around 6 a.m. and spoke at length," he reminisced.
He revealed that during the shooting, the unit had an innate feeling they were creating something special, though an Oscar nomination was beyond their wildest dreams. "We used to sit together and talk—'What a shot! What a shot!'... But no one imagined it would go to the Oscars," Mishra said. He reserved high praise for Aamir Khan's role in fostering this environment, noting, "Aamir Khan treated all of us like family. He kept everyone together throughout the journey."
The actor also touched upon the intense box office clash with Sunny Deol's Gadar, which became a major talking point. Interestingly, he reminded everyone of the prior successful collaborations between Aamir Khan and Sunny Deol in films like Ghayal and Dil, adding another layer to the narrative.
Overcoming Initial Skepticism to Create a Blockbuster
Mishra didn't shy away from discussing the widespread doubt that surrounded Lagaan before its release. Many in the industry dismissed it as "just a cricket film." With director Ashutosh Gowariker's earlier films not finding commercial success, faith was low. "No one believed he could make a film like this, let alone one that would go to the Oscars and become a blockbuster," Mishra recalled.
However, the film's unprecedented success silenced all critics. Summing up the journey, Mishra gave full credit to Aamir Khan's conviction. "The real credit goes to Aamir Khan—for believing in the script, in Ashutosh Gowariker, and in the entire unit. He stood by the film no matter what... That's where Aamir Khan Productions truly established itself." This steadfast support, according to Mishra, was the decisive factor that carved a new path for Indian cinema on the world map.
