Aamir Khan 's ‘ Lagaan ’ is celebrated as one of Bollywood ’s most iconic films, renowned for its outstanding storyline and memorable performances. Recently, Yashpal Sharma , who played the role of Lakha in the Oscar-nominated film, provided intriguing insights into Khan’s unique approach to maintaining focus and harmony on set. In an interview with the Friday Talkies YouTube channel, Sharma detailed how Khan implemented strategies to keep his co-stars disciplined and united, which he believes was instrumental in the film’s success.
Sharma recounted that Khan had a distinctive way of ensuring that the cast and crew remained concentrated on their work. Every evening, Khan would sit on the ground with a simple paper cup of tea and set up a card game for everyone on set. This nightly ritual, according to Sharma, was more than just a casual activity; it served as a bonding exercise that brought the team together and kept them engaged.
Sharma speculated that this approach was Khan’s subtle way of steering the crew away from distractions such as alcohol, women, potential conflicts, and other disturbances. The friendship fostered through these card games was important in creating a cohesive and dedicated team. Sharma highlighted that this unity and the shared experiences during late-night sessions were crucial in achieving the film’s successful outcome.
The sense of togetherness and focus on set was reflected in the final product, contributing to Lagaan’s accomplishments. Beyond the production of ‘Lagaan’, Sharma shared that the bond formed on set extended well into their personal lives. Khan continues to host Diwali card gatherings for his former co-stars, where they enjoy traditional treats like golgappas, watch movies, play cricket, and even rehearse together.
Sharma expressed admiration for Khan’s humility, noting that despite his star status, Khan remains genuinely connected with his colleagues and invites them to these festive celebrations. Sharma also revealed that he had initial reservations about working with Khan, fearing that he might exhibit arrogance based on his past experiences with other stars. However, he was pleasantly surprised to find Khan to be exceptionally down-to-earth and kind-hearted.
Looking ahead, Aamir Khan is set to appear in ‘Sitaare Zameen Par’, a film that aims to bring attention to Down Syndrome..
