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Aamir Khan Initially Refused to Hear 'Lagaan' Script, Recalls at Film Fest

Aamir Khan revealed he was completely unwilling to listen to Ashutosh Gowariker's 'Lagaan' pitch, feeling the director had wasted three months on it. He eventually relented and was blown away by the script. The actor shared unique behind-the-scenes details, including the cast's daily ritual of listening to the Gayatri Mantra while traveling to set. The revelations came during a special screening celebrating the film's 25th anniversary at the Red Lorry Film Festival.

Key Points: Aamir Khan's Initial Reluctance to 'Lagaan' Revealed

  • Aamir initially refused the script
  • Cast listened to Gayatri Mantra daily
  • Debate over Bhuvan's shaved look
  • Festival marks 25 years of 'Lagaan'
  • Film's team reunited at event
2 min read

"Main bilkul nahi sunn raha...": Aamir Khan recalls his initial reaction to Ashutosh Gowariker's 'Lagaan'

Aamir Khan recalls refusing to hear the 'Lagaan' script for 3 hours, daily Gayatri Mantra rituals, and character debates with Ashutosh Gowariker.

"Main bilkul nahi sunn raha...": Aamir Khan recalls his initial reaction to Ashutosh Gowariker's 'Lagaan'
"Main nahi sunn raha. Bilkul nahi. Tune 3 mahina waste kiya hai uss kahaani pe. - Aamir Khan"

Mumbai, March 13

Actor Aamir Khan revisited fond memories of working in his acclaimed 2001 film 'Lagaan', taking audiences on a nostalgic ride.

Speaking at the Red Lorry Film Festival, Aamir Khan revealed how he was initially reluctant to work in 'Lagaan'.

Aamir shared how Gowariker approached him for the film after working on it for three years.

"Suddenly, I stopped and thought, 'Kahin yeh wahi kahaani toh nahi. Cricket...lagaan... ke bare mein. He (Ashutosh Gowariker) said 'Tu sunn toh le' and I was like 'Main nahi sunn raha. Bilkul nahi. Tune 3 mahina waste kiya hai uss kahaani pe. Main 3 ghanta bhi nahi waste kar raha, and I refused to hear it. But then he requested me, and I felt bad. When I heard the script, it just blew my mind," Aamir said at the film festival.

During the conversation, Aamir Khan went on to share many more stories from the days of shooting 'Lagaan'.

He also spoke about a unique ritual that the entire cast and crew would listen to the Gayatri Mantra every day while travelling to the sets.

"Usme ekdin bhi break nahi aaya. That also helped us to remain in a meditative state of mind. When you are going to work, the state of your mind matters a lot," Aamir said.

Elsewhere, 'Lagaan' director Ashutosh Gowariker recalled how he had envisioned Aamir Khan's character 'Bhuvan' with a clean-shaven look; however, the actor was keen on appearing unshaven.

Recounting the moment with humour, Aamir joked that since the village depicted in the film had no water, it would hardly make sense for the character to appear freshly shaved.

On Friday, the Red Lorry Film Festival hosted a special celebratory screening of Lagaan to commemorate 25 years of the iconic film.

Besides filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker and actor Aamir Khan, the event was also attended by actors Raghubir Yadav, Akhilendra Mishra, Amin Hajee, Pradeep Ram Singh Rawat, and Aditya Lakhia, who reunited to celebrate the legacy of the beloved film.

The Red Lorry Film Festival commenced on Friday, March 13, and will conclude on March 15.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Haha, Aamir's logic about Bhuvan's unshaven look is so typical of his method acting! "Gaon mein paani nahi hai toh shave kaise karega?" Only he thinks of such details. That's what made Lagaan iconic.
D
David E
As someone who discovered Indian cinema through Lagaan, this is fascinating. The behind-the-scenes stories are as compelling as the film itself. The fact that it almost didn't happen because Aamir didn't want to hear the script is mind-blowing.
A
Aryan P
Respectfully, while I love the film, I sometimes feel we over-glorify every detail about it now. It's been 25 years. We need new stories and new 'Lagaans', not just constant nostalgia. Our film industry should focus on creating the next classic.
S
Shreya B
The part about the daily mantra is so heartwarming. It created a sense of unity and purpose for the cast and crew. No wonder the film's positive energy is felt in every frame. Timeless masterpiece! 🙏
K
Karthik V
Can't believe it's been 25 years! I was a kid when I first saw it with my family. "O Re Chhori" and the final match still give me goosebumps. Aamir and Ashutosh gave us a gift for generations. True blue desi classic.

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