Rachel Shelley, who played Elizabeth Russell in Lagaan, has shared behind-the-scenes photos from the movie’s sets to mark its 25th anniversary.
She praised director Ashutosh Gowariker for his dedication, remembering how he kept working despite injuries during the long, difficult schedule.
One photo captured the director explaining a scene to her, while another showed both of them with their faces and clothes covered in colours, likely after playing Holi during the shoot. The last picture featured Rachel holding a cricket bat signed by the cast and crew, which she kept as a souvenir.
Adding the Lagaan song Chale Chalo to the post, she wrote, “BTS #Lagaan #lagaan25years #holi #fancydressin. 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.”
“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…’” she added.
Lagaan is a 2001 Hindi period sports drama directed by Ashutosh Gowariker and produced by Aamir Khan. Set in the late 19th century under British rule, the movie follows the villagers of Champaner in Gujarat as they challenge British officers to a game of cricket to avoid paying a steep land tax, called lagaan, during a severe drought.
The movie features Aamir Khan as Bhuvan, a villager who leads the team even though he knows very little about cricket. Gracy Singh stars as Gauri, and Rachel Shelley plays Elizabeth Russell, the sister of the British officer Captain Andrew Russell, portrayed by Paul Blackthorne. Elizabeth helps the villagers learn the ropes of the game.
The film’s soundtrack, composed by AR Rahman with lyrics by Javed Akhtar, featured hit songs like Mitwa, Ghanan Ghanan, and Chale Chalo. Lagaan earned widespread critical acclaim and was nominated for Best Foreign Language Film at the 74th Academy Awards in 2002.
It also bagged several National Film Awards, including Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment.
Interestingly, Shelley fell in love with her co-actor Amin Hajee, who played Bagha in the movie, during the shoot.