Lagaan: Rachel Shelley looks back at her last day on set with Ashutosh Gowariker, calls him “wonderful human being”
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], October 27 (ANI): Aamir Khan starrer ‘Lagaan’ completed 25 years this year, and actress Rachel Shelley, who played Elizabeth Russell in the film, has shared some behind-the-scenes pictures from the set.
The actress also praised director Ashutosh Gowariker for his dedication to the film, recalling how he continued working despite getting injured during the long shoot.
On Monday, Rachel took to Instagram to share a series of pictures with Ashutosh Gowariker from the sets of the 2001 film. One of the pictures shows the director talking to her during a scene, while another captures the two of them with colours on their faces and clothes, seemingly from a Holi celebration on the sets.
The actress also shared a picture of a cricket bat signed by the cast and crew, which she received on her last day of shooting.
Along with the pictures, Rachel praised Ashutosh for the way he handled the demanding shoot and recalled his calm nature on set.
“With the wonderful @ashutoshgowariker - director extraordinaire who worked through injury and a long, challenging shoot with grace, humour and complete dedication. A reassuring, calm voice and a wonderful human being,” she wrote.
Sharing the story behind the signed cricket bat, Rachel added, “And look, there’s my signed cricket bat, handed to me on my very last night of shooting. Ash probably has someone in his ear saying “we have to move on…”
Take a look
View this post on Instagram
Directed by Ashutosh Gowariker and produced by Aamir Khan, ‘Lagaan’ was released in 2001. Set in 1893 during the British Raj, the film follows the people of a drought-hit village who challenge the British rulers to a cricket match to avoid paying taxes.
Aamir Khan played Bhuvan, the village leader who takes up the challenge, while Rachel portrayed Elizabeth Russell, the sister of British officer Captain Andrew Russell, played by Paul Blackthorne. Elizabeth secretly helps the villagers learn cricket as they prepare for the match.
The film received widespread praise in India and abroad and was nominated for an Academy Award in the Best Foreign Language Film category. It also won several honours, including National Film Awards.
Earlier this year, ‘Lagaan’ returned to theatres for a special three-day re-release from June 12 to June 14 to mark its 25th anniversary. (ANI)
