Why saying yes to Oscar-nominated 'Lagaan' was 'scary' for Aamir
What's the story
Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan recently opened up about his iconic 2001 film Lagaan at the India Today Conclave.
"It was a very scary film to make. Everyone was scared. Javed sir said the film won't work even for a day. Before saying yes to the film I was very scared," Khan revealed.
Despite fears, Lagaan became a cult classic and an Oscar nominee in the Best Foreign Language Film category.
Concerns
Akhtar's concerns and Bachchan's involvement
Javed Akhtar, who wrote several hit songs of Lagaan, voiced his fears to Khan, saying the movie's lengthy cricket sequence could deter viewers.
He further noted that movies with a voiceover by Amitabh Bachchan, who narrated Lagaan, didn't fare well at the box office.
"Mr. Bachchan told me that. He said 'Okay, Aamir, I will become the narrator but in whichever films I have given the narration, those films never worked,'" Khan recalled.
Commitment
Khan's commitment to 'Lagaan' despite fears
Despite his fears, Khan stood by Lagaan, trusting director Ashutosh Gowariker's vision.
The final cut of Lagaan was over three hours long, much shorter than the initial seven-and-a-half-hour first cut.
"You all think I take the risk and I am a very brave person. I take the risk but I am equally scared and I make that fear my guide," Khan said.
Reflections
Khan reflected on 'Andaz Apna Apna' and '3 Idiots'
Khan also spoke about shooting for Andaz Apna Apna, a comedy which has now turned into a cult classic.
He revealed co-stars Raveena Tandon and Karisma Kapoor didn't get along very well. "The film was completed with a lot of difficulty but I always believed in that film," he said.
He also spoke about his initial hesitations about 3 Idiots due to age concerns. But director Rajkumar Hirani's vision and approach finally persuaded him.