Abhishek Bachchan could have been in Bhuvan Ashutosh Gowariker’s blockbuster hit Lagaan, which was released 22 years ago. But repeatedly he kept turning down Gowariker, who was interested in casting him for the lead role. Ultimately, the role went to Aamir Khan and it became one of the defining performances of his career.
On the occasion of Lagaan’s 22nd anniversary, Gowariker told ETimes how he would frequent Abhishek’s house to convince him to play Bhuvan. But the actor stood by his decision not to play the role.
Lagaan, the epic sports drama about a group of villagers competing against British officials in a game of cricket, was released in 2001 and became a box office hit, even earning an Oscar nomination.
abhishek bachchan he felt he was a misfit for Lagaan. He told the Etimes: “He was too raw and young to be saddled with a film as epic as Lagaan. Of course, I knew it was going to be huge. But I just wasn’t ready to be a part of it.” However, now Abhishek is “glad” that Aamir has played the role and has surpassed it.
He does not regret missing out on such an iconic film that will always be counted among the gems of Hindi cinema. In fact, it’s “embarrassing” for him to talk about the projects he missed instead of focusing on the ones he did.
“Every movie and role has its own destiny. Do you know how many actors were offered The Godfather before Marlon Brando? Junior Bachchan opined.
On the occasion of Lagaan’s anniversary, Aamir Khan’s production company shared a series of photos from the film’s set, writing: “A nostalgic throwback to ‘Lagaan’ as we celebrate its 22-year milestone, reliving the moments that made it such a part. iconic of Indian cinema. ❤️.”
Last year, when Lagaan turned 21, Aamir Khan introduced the cast, including Yashpal Sharma, Akhilendra Mishra, Raj Zutshi, Shankar Pandey, Raja Awasthi, Suhasini Mulay, Pradeep Ram Singh Rawat and Amin Gazi, at his home. When Lagaan celebrated twenty years, Aamir thanked Ashutosh Gowarikar for giving him the chance to be a part of the film.
He said, “First of all, I want to thank Ashutosh (Gowariker), the entire cast and crew, partners and the entire exhibitor industry for their support. I also want to extend my thanks to the seniors in the film industry who supported the project and praised it so much.”
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