Paul Blackthorne, who played Captain Andrew Russell in ‘Lagaan’, recalled an unexpected washroom conversation with Aamir Khan before one of the film’s most important scenes. The British actor said Aamir reminded him of the moment’s weight just before filming the wager scene, where Bhuvan challenges Russell over the villagers’ tax. Blackthorne said the exchange made him freeze, but he pushed through the scene.
Paul Blackthorne on Aamir Khan and ‘Lagaan’ reunion
In an interview with Hindustan Times, Paul Blackthorne spoke about returning to Mumbai as ‘Lagaan’ marks its 25th anniversary with a theatrical re-release and cast reunion. He said, “It’s been an absolute whirlwind.” He added, “Last night, we had this incredibly fun party to celebrate the 25th anniversary, looking back at all of AK’s [Aamir Khan’s] phenomenal films over the last quarter of a century.”Blackthorne said the cast also came together for a read-through of scenes. He said, “I actually had to try and remember how to read Hindi script, which, turns out, I completely couldn’t anymore!” He added, “But the absolute highlight was watching Lagaan on the big screen again. Just sitting there and remembering what an incredible piece of cinema it truly is.”The actor said working with Aamir raised his performance. He said, “Working with actors of Aamir’s caliber is a gift. If you are truly listening and feeling their truth, your own truth comes out too. It elevates your entire performance.”
Paul Blackthorne recalls ‘teen guna lagaan’ scene
Blackthorne said one memory still stands out from the shoot. Before filming the crucial wager scene, he went to the washroom, and Aamir walked in next to him. He recalled Aamir saying, “Oh, Paul. This is a very important scene. The most important scene in the film.”Blackthorne said, “I just froze and thought, ‘Oh, God!'” He added, “Absolutely, sir. I will be doing my best. All right, let’s wash our hands and get on with it!”The actor also recalled learning Hindi for three to four months in London before the shoot. He said, “That’s the most important part of acting: listening.”Cricket brought another surprise. Blackthorne said Aamir arranged a friendly match, and he got out on the first ball twice. Aamir then told him, “Maybe we could do a little work on your cricket at lunchtime.”Blackthorne spent lunch breaks practicing. He joked that editing saved him in the film, as someone gently tossed the ball during his batting scenes while Captain Russell looked fierce on screen.
More about ‘Lagaan
Directed by Ashutosh Gowariker, ‘Lagaan’ starred Aamir Khan as Bhuvan, a villager who leads his people in a cricket match against British officers to escape a heavy tax. The film also featured Gracy Singh, Rachel Shelley, Paul Blackthorne, Suhasini Mulay, Yashpal Sharma, Raj Zutshi, Raghubir Yadav, Akhilendra Mishra, Rajesh Vivek, Daya Shankar Pandey, and Aditya Lakhia.
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‘Lagaan’ became one of Hindi cinema’s most celebrated films and earned India an Oscar nomination in the Best Foreign Language Film category. The film is remembered for its mix of sports drama, period storytelling, A R Rahman’s music, and its underdog story set in colonial India. Aamir also produced the film, which remains a major title in his career and in Gowariker’s filmography.
