Aamir Khan’s blockbuster film ‘Lagaan,’ released in 2001, is often hailed as one of the most iconic films in Indian cinema. This sports drama, set against the backdrop of British colonial India, captivated audiences with its story of a group of villagers who challenge the British to a cricket match to avoid paying taxes. Aamir Khan’s portrayal of Bhuvan, the determined village leader, remains memorable, and the film itself achieved critical acclaim, even securing a nomination at the 74th Academy Awards.
However, what many people might not know is the fascinating connection between ‘Lagaan’ and one of India’s most beloved television shows, ‘CID.’ The seeds of this Oscar-nominated film were actually sown on the sets of this popular crime drama.
The Birth of ‘Lagaan’ on the Sets of ‘CID’
‘CID,’ which began airing in 1998, quickly became a household favorite, known for its gripping crime investigations and memorable characters. One of the actors who played a pivotal role in the show was Ashutosh Gowariker, who portrayed Inspector Virendra. Little did anyone know that during his time on the show, Ashutosh was already planning his next big move—directing ‘Lagaan.’
Ashutosh, who had shared his plans with ‘CID’ director B.P. Singh, was fully committed to making ‘Lagaan.’ He told Singh that if his film succeeded, he wouldn’t return to the show, but if it failed, he hoped to resume his role as Inspector Virendra.
Actor Dayanand Shetty, famous for playing the role of Daya in ‘CID,’ once revealed in an interview how Ashutosh would often conduct meetings for ‘Lagaan’ on the sets of ‘CID.’ Between shots, Ashutosh and his team would gather in a small room on the set, where they discussed the film’s script, casting, and other production details. After each shot, Ashutosh would check with the director if his part was complete, and if so, he would return to the room to continue planning ‘Lagaan.’
A Risk That Paid Off
Ashutosh Gowariker’s decision to leave ‘CID’ and focus entirely on ‘Lagaan’ proved to be a masterstroke. The film not only won the hearts of millions but also became a significant milestone in Indian cinema. Made on a budget of ₹24 crores, ‘Lagaan’ went on to collect ₹65 crores worldwide, cementing its place as a massive box office success.
The film’s journey to the Oscars further validated Ashutosh’s decision. ‘Lagaan’ was one of the few Indian films to be nominated for the prestigious Academy Awards, and it remains a source of pride for the Indian film industry. The ensemble cast, including Gracy Singh, Raghubir Yadav, and Yashpal Sharma, delivered stellar performances, contributing to the film’s lasting legacy.
The Evolution of ‘CID’ After Ashutosh’s Departure
After Ashutosh Gowariker left ‘CID’ to pursue his filmmaking ambitions, the show introduced a new character to fill the void left by Inspector Virendra. Actor Aditya Srivastava was brought in to play the role of Inspector Abhijeet, a character that quickly became a fan favorite. His portrayal of Abhijeet added a new dimension to the show, and ‘CID’ continued to thrive, eventually running until 2018, becoming one of the longest-running TV shows in India.
This unique connection between ‘Lagaan’ and ‘CID’ is a testament to the unexpected ways in which creative projects can intersect and influence each other. While ‘CID’ continued to entertain millions, Ashutosh Gowariker’s ‘Lagaan’ went on to make history, forever linking the two in the annals of Indian entertainment.
