Threatened Bus Driver to Drive Without Aamir: Lakhia on ‘Lagaan’
The 2001 cricket-drama film ‘Lagaan’ is a landmark in Indian cinema, with its unique blend of sports, drama, and history. Directed by Ashutosh Gowariker, the film stars Aamir Khan, Abhishek Bachchan, and Gracy Singh, among others. The film’s success can be attributed to the hard work and dedication of the entire team, including the assistant directors, who played a crucial role in bringing the story to life.
One such assistant director was Apoorva Lakhia, who recently recalled his experience working on the film in an interview. Lakhia shared some interesting anecdotes, including a tense situation that arose on the sets, which left Aamir Khan stranded for two hours.
Lakhia, who has worked on several films, including ‘Mission Istanbul’ and ‘Zanjeer’, was part of the team that worked on ‘Lagaan’ as an assistant director. In an interview, he revealed that he would often travel to the sets with the cast and crew via bus to avoid delays. According to Lakhia, he would insist on taking the bus to ensure that everyone arrived on time, and this became a norm on the sets.
However, one day, Aamir Khan was late to join the bus, and Lakhia decided to take a stand. “I kicked Ronit (Roy)…was standing at bus’ door…waiting for Aamir…I kicked him, he fell out, and I told the driver, ‘I’ll break your neck if you don’t start driving’,” Lakhia recalled.
The bus driver, understandably, was intimidated by Lakhia’s threat and started driving away without Aamir Khan, who was still waiting at the door. Lakhia’s actions left Aamir stranded for two hours, and the actor was forced to find an alternative mode of transport to reach the sets.
Lakhia’s decision to take a stand was a result of his frustration with the delays that were becoming a regular occurrence on the sets. He wanted to set an example and ensure that the team remained on schedule. However, looking back, Lakhia realizes that his actions may have been extreme and could have been handled differently.
“It was a stupid thing to do, but I was frustrated. I wanted to make a point that delays wouldn’t be tolerated,” Lakhia acknowledged. “But now, I look back and think, ‘Why did I have to do that?’ I should have spoken to Aamir or someone else about it. I was just trying to set an example, but it was a bad example.”
Despite the tension and drama that unfolded, Lakhia’s actions did have a positive impact on the team. The incident led to a renewed sense of discipline and punctuality on the sets, and the team was able to complete the film on schedule.
‘Lagaan’ went on to become a critical and commercial success, and it’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire team. The film’s success can be attributed to the passion and commitment of the cast and crew, who worked tirelessly to bring the story to life.
In conclusion, Apoorva Lakhia’s experience working on ‘Lagaan’ is a reminder of the challenges and frustrations that can arise on film sets. However, it’s also a testament to the importance of teamwork and discipline in achieving success. Lakhia’s story serves as a reminder that even in the most tense and dramatic situations, it’s essential to remain calm and professional and to prioritize communication and collaboration.
