Paul Blackthorne, who portrayed Captain Andrew Russell in the iconic film Lagaan, recently recounted a memorable washroom encounter with Aamir Khan just before filming one of the movie's most pivotal scenes. The British actor revealed that Aamir reminded him of the scene's significance right before they shot the wager moment, where Bhuvan challenges Russell over the villagers' tax. Blackthorne admitted the exchange left him momentarily frozen, but he managed to push through and deliver his performance.
Paul Blackthorne on Aamir Khan and ‘Lagaan’ reunion
In an interview with Hindustan Times, Blackthorne spoke about his return to Mumbai as Lagaan marks its 25th anniversary with a theatrical re-release and a cast reunion. He described the experience as "an absolute whirlwind." He added, "Last night, we had this incredibly fun party to celebrate the 25th anniversary, looking back at all of AK’s [Aamir Khan’s] phenomenal films over the last quarter of a century."
The cast also came together for a read-through of scenes. Blackthorne said, "I actually had to try and remember how to read Hindi script, which, turns out, I completely couldn’t anymore!" However, he noted that the absolute highlight was watching Lagaan on the big screen again. "Just sitting there and remembering what an incredible piece of cinema it truly is," he remarked.
The actor credited working with Aamir for elevating his performance. He stated, "Working with actors of Aamir's caliber is a gift. If you are truly listening and feeling their truth, your own truth comes out too. It elevates your entire performance."
Paul Blackthorne recalls ‘teen guna lagaan’ scene
Blackthorne said one memory from the shoot still stands out vividly. Before filming the crucial wager scene, he went to the washroom, and Aamir walked in next to him. He recalled Aamir saying, "Oh, Paul. This is a very important scene. The most important scene in the film."
Blackthorne admitted, "I just froze and thought, 'Oh, God!'" He then responded, "Absolutely, sir. I will be doing my best. All right, let’s wash our hands and get on with it!"
The actor also recalled learning Hindi for three to four months in London before the shoot. He emphasized, "That’s the most important part of acting: listening."
Cricket brought another surprise during the filming. Blackthorne said Aamir arranged a friendly match, and he got out on the first ball twice. Aamir then told him, "Maybe we could do a little work on your cricket at lunchtime." Blackthorne spent lunch breaks practicing. He joked that editing saved him in the film, as someone gently tossed the ball during his batting scenes while Captain Russell looked fierce on screen.
More about ‘Lagaan’
Directed by Ashutosh Gowariker, Lagaan starred Aamir Khan as Bhuvan, a villager who leads his people in a cricket match against British officers to escape a heavy tax. The film also featured Gracy Singh, Rachel Shelley, Paul Blackthorne, Suhasini Mulay, Yashpal Sharma, Raj Zutshi, Raghubir Yadav, Akhilendra Mishra, Rajesh Vivek, Daya Shankar Pandey, and Aditya Lakhia.
Lagaan became one of Hindi cinema’s most celebrated films and earned India an Oscar nomination in the Best Foreign Language Film category. The film is remembered for its mix of sports drama, period storytelling, A R Rahman’s music, and its underdog story set in colonial India. Aamir also produced the film, which remains a major title in his career and in Gowariker’s filmography.
Read the latest Entertainment News and Celebrity updates. Download the TOI App.
About the Author
TOI Entertainment Desk
The TOI Entertainment Desk is a dynamic and dedicated team of journalists, working tirelessly to bring the pulse of the entertainment world straight to the readers of The Times of India. No red carpet goes unrolled, no stage goes dark - our team spans the globe, bringing you the latest scoops and insider insights from Bollywood to Hollywood, and every entertainment hotspot in between. We don't just report; we tell tales of stardom and stories untold. Whether it's the rise of a new sensation or the seasoned journey of an industry veteran, the TOI Entertainment Desk is your front-row seat to the fascinating narratives that shape the entertainment landscape. Beyond the breaking news, we present a celebration of culture. We explore the intersections of entertainment with society, politics, and everyday life.
