When Big B Almost Didn't Do 'Lagaan' Voice Over

Bollywood On My Mind (June 16, 2011)

I really admire and respect Raju Hirani. He speaks less and his work is so tall that his modesty becomes extremely endearing. On the other hand, there are filmmakers obsessed with picking up fights just for the sake of publicity. Their films are watched by a miniscule number of people and their coterie constantly tries to keep them at a 'pedestal'. While they consider themselves God, maximum number of people don't even know them. Then the blame game starts about Indian audience being immature and all the sho-sha of how they need to appreciate 'good' cinema. Yawn...

'Lagaan' completed 10 years yesterday. Aamir along with the cast and crew of 'Lagaan' and all his other productions gathered at a Mumbai Hotel along with strong media presence amongst the dignitaries. The evening started with the Making of 'Lagaan'...'Madness In The Desert-The Lunacy Of Filmmaking'. This documentary, directed by Satyajit Bhatkal was engaging. Later, Aamir (teary eyed) and Ashutosh Gowarikler (he has lost lots of weight, the healthy way hopefully) went down the memory lane reminiscing what all happened during the making of the film. I asked both of them, that since they've made a phenomenal film and are so appreciative of each other, why haven't they worked together again and can we see that happening in the future. Both Aamir and Ashutosh stated that as and when they shall have a good script they would be very keen to work together again (Not a convincing answer guys :)).

Javed Akhtar sahab remembered how he had tried to pursuade Aamir not to make 'Lagaan' as it was an unsafe film from all counts. Akhtar also said that even 'Zanjeer' was rejected by many producers and actors. Like 'Lagaan' it was breaking a lot of conventions, Akhtar said. Mr Bachchan came almost at the end of the evening. He was in his 'Bbuddah Hoga Tera Baap' look. Aamir shared an interesting bit of info that most of us didn't know. Ashutosh wanted Mr B's voice over but then later Ashutosh changed his mind and felt that a fresh voice should do the VO as Mr Bachchan's voice is easily recognisable. Aamir went back to Big B to apologise that they wouldn't be requiring his VO in their film. Ashutosh changed his mind once again after a month and told Aamir that he felt that Mr Bachchan's Voice Over is the right choice. Khan was baffled and went back to the legend once again. Big B agreed.

Here's the video of this event...

http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/broadband/video/Parties-and-Events/yg7m3r20/3/Aamir-Khan-Celebrates-Lagaan-s-Decade-Run.html

I interviewed the director of 'Aarakshan' Prakash Jha today. His office carries a stamp of an educated man with lots of wonderful books, furniture having a simple old world charm to it and nice comforting spaciousness. He was slightly late and apologised profusely. We had a long interview where we talked about the issue of Reservation in jobs and education institutions in India. I also asked him questions about his stint in politics and did he and Ajay Devgn really had differences over 'Raajneeti'. We also had a Down The Memory Lane segment where I asked him about his films like 'Hip Hip Hurray', 'Damul', 'Parinati', Mrityudand', 'Gangaajal', 'Aparahan', 'Khoya Khoya Chaand', 'Dil Dosti Etc'. Mr Jha made me see a 10 min showreel of 'Aarakshan' as well. Looks like a very interesting film.