Lagaan Diaries: Aamir Khan’s crew bathed in Bisleri water! Co-star spills untold BTS secrets

Aamir Khan’s Lagaan wasn’t just another Bollywood film- it was a cinematic revolution. The Oscar-nominated sports drama, directed by Ashutosh Gowariker, redefined Indian storytelling on the global stage. With Aamir Khan as the fearless Bhuvan, the film became a monumental critical and commercial success. It also went down in history as the most expensive Indian production at the time, boasting a crew of nearly 300 members.

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Life in the Remote Gujarati Village

To recreate the dusty environment of colonial India, the entire team camped in a remote village in Gujarat for almost six months. Away from city comforts, the cast and crew braved extreme heat and limited amenities - but the production’s arrangements ensured no one suffered.

Recently, Akhilendra Mishra, who played a supporting role in the film, opened up on the Hum Desi Podcast, sharing some never-heard-before tales from the sets of Lagaan.

Bisleri Baths and Equal Treatment on Set

Mishra revealed that despite the harsh conditions, every team member- regardless of fame or position- was treated equally.

“Yaha log Bisleri se nahate the. Yaha pe admi rakha gaya tha ki zara dekhna ki koi local pani na peele unita ka.” (People bathed with bottled mineral water, and a dedicated person ensured no one drank contaminated local water.)

The meticulous care for the team’s well-being reflected the film’s disciplined yet humane work culture. Mishra described how everyone- actors, technicians, and crew- remained grounded, “like bricks in a cemented wall,” bound together by respect and teamwork.

A Taste of Luxury Amid the Heat

Despite the desert backdrop, the Lagaan crew was treated to royal hospitality. Each morning, they travelled 26 kilometres from their accommodation to the shooting site, where they were greeted with a grand breakfast spread.

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“Kya kamaal naashta kijiye, jo man kare wo khaiye,” Mishra fondly remembered, adding that no one was ever discriminated against over food choices.

Unlike many film sets where hierarchy dictates comfort, Lagaan’s atmosphere remained inclusive and harmonious.