Twenty-five years after Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India transformed Hindi cinema, its creators gathered at Mumbai's Mehboob Studios for a nostalgic discussion. The panel, moderated by Meiyang Chang, featured Aamir Khan, Ashutosh Gowariker, Javed Akhtar, and AR Rahman, who reflected on the risks and ambition behind the film.
Released in 2001, the period sports drama set in a drought-stricken village under British rule earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Foreign Language Film, introducing Indian cinema globally.
From Doubt to a Cult Classic
Aamir admitted no one expected the film's enduring legacy. "We never thought people would remember this film for 25 years. At that time, we didn't even know whether the film would work or whether audiences would like it. It feels exciting that something we made so many years ago is still relevant." Calling it the first official silver jubilee event, Aamir said the team remains overwhelmed by the affection.
A Story Born Out of Failure and Faith
For Gowariker, Lagaan emerged during a difficult phase. After two unsuccessful films, he wanted to create something original and emotionally stirring. The idea began with seven unlikely heroes who unite for a common cause. "Only Aamir was in my mind for the role," Gowariker shared, adding that he envisioned AR Rahman for music and Javed Akhtar for lyrics.
Convincing Aamir
Aamir revisited his famous rejection. When Gowariker first narrated the premise—villagers playing cricket against the British to avoid tax—Aamir said, "Bahut buri kahani hai yaar. This story does not make sense to me." Three months later, Gowariker returned with a completed script. Aamir agreed to listen with "zero expectations" but found himself hooked. "When the narration ended, I was gobsmacked. I had never heard such a brilliant script before." Yet he hesitated, fearing the producer role after watching his father struggle. "Mujhe der saal laga before I said yes."
Javed Akhtar's Initial Doubts
Akhtar confessed he believed the project was commercially risky. He recalled feeling protective toward Aamir, whom he had known since childhood. "Maine socha agar main nahi samjhunga toh inhe kaun samjhayega?" He listed reasons: period films don't work, cricket isn't film-friendly (Aamir's Awwal Number had flopped), heroes in dhotis wouldn't appeal, and the film shows characters learning cricket. "I called them and bahut samjhaya ki yeh film na banaye. But, bahut khushi ki baat hai ki they did not listen to me. When I saw the first cut, I realized what a masterpiece it was."
Rahman on Creating a Timeless Score
AR Rahman aimed to make the soundtrack timeless, collaborating with Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle. He experimented with hybrid orchestration due to unavailable instruments in India. He recalled Aamir sitting in tears after hearing the music. "He asked me, 'What have you done to my movie?'—in a good way. That was the first time I saw the birth of a producer emotionally invested in every aspect."
