Exploring the Connection Between CID and Aamir Khan’s Lagaan
When discussing the best films of Aamir Khan’s illustrious career, the year 2001 often brings to mind the iconic film ‘Lagaan.’ Set during the British Raj, this sports drama captivated audiences and received immense acclaim. While numerous sports films have graced Bollywood, the popularity of ‘Lagaan’ is unparalleled. In this film, Aamir portrayed the character Bhuvan, who challenges the British colonizers to a cricket match in exchange for tax relief.
Directed by Ashutosh Gowariker, ‘Lagaan’ has remained a beloved classic. However, there’s an intriguing story behind this hit film’s inception, one that most might not be aware of. Remarkably, the foundational ideas for this iconic movie were conceptualized on the set of CID, one of television’s most popular shows during its heyday. Let’s delve into how this connection came to be.
The Genesis of CID and Lagaan’s Connection
Launched in 1998, ‘CID’ quickly secured its place in viewers’ hearts under the direction of B.P. Singh. Interestingly, Ashutosh Gowariker, who later became synonymous with ‘Lagaan,’ was once a cast member on ‘CID,’ playing the role of Inspector Virender. While working on the show, he disclosed to B.P. Singh his plans to create a film. He jokingly promised that if the film succeeded, he would not return to the show; conversely, if it failed, he would come back.
Behind-the-Scenes Planning
In interviews, Dayanand Shetty, who portrayed Daya in ‘CID,’ shared fascinating insights into Gowariker’s preparations for ‘Lagaan.’ Most of the film’s planning meetings took place on the CID set in a designated room where 8-10 team members would gather. In between shooting for scenes, Gowariker would check with the director on his shooting schedule. If his scenes were done, he would slip away to pursue meetings for ‘Lagaan.’ Once those discussions concluded, he would promptly return to resume filming his part.
Lagaan’s Oscar Nomination
Ashutosh’s decision to leave ‘CID’ for ‘Lagaan’ proved to be a monumental choice. Not only did the film achieve significant box office success, grossing approximately 65 crores worldwide on a budget of 24 crores, but it also garnered an Oscar nomination at the 74th Academy Awards. The film featured an ensemble cast, including Gracy Singh, Raghubir Yadav, Yashpal Sharma, and Pradeep Ram Singh Rawat. Following ‘Lagaan,’ Gowariker went on to direct other notable films, such as ‘Swades,’ ‘Jodhaa Akbar,’ and ‘Mohenjo Daro.’
Casting Changes in CID
After Gowariker departed from ‘CID,’ his character of Inspector Virender was ultimately removed. This paved the way for a new character named Abhijeet, played by actor Aditya Srivastava. Abhijeet quickly became a favorite among fans, evolving into one of the most beloved characters in the show’s long run. ‘CID’ continued captivating audiences until its conclusion in 2018.
Conclusion
In summary, the connection between CID and Aamir Khan’s Lagaan is a testament to the intertwining narratives of Indian cinema and television. Ashutosh Gowariker’s journey from a TV show to creating one of Bollywood’s most cherished films serves as inspiration. It shows how diverse experiences and interactions can lead to groundbreaking achievements in the world of entertainment.
