15 June,2026 11:48 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Paul Blackthorne and Aamir Khan (Pictures via Yogen Shah and X)
As Lagaan celebrates 25 years since its release, actor Paul Blackthorne is revisiting memories from the making of the iconic film that changed his life and career. Best known to Indian audiences as the ruthless British officer Captain Andrew Russell, Blackthorne recently shared a behind-the-scenes anecdote involving Aamir Khan that still makes him laugh today.
The actor is currently in Mumbai for the film's 25th-anniversary celebrations, which included a cast reunion, script readings, and a special screening of the Oscar-nominated classic. Looking back on the experience, Blackthorne described the festivities as a whirlwind of nostalgia.
Among the many memories that resurfaced, one stood out in particular the filming of the pivotal "teen guna lagaan" scene. The sequence, in which Captain Russell raises the stakes by demanding triple taxes if the villagers lose a cricket match against the British, remains one of the most memorable moments in the film.
Blackthorne revealed that just before shooting the scene, he had an unexpected encounter with Aamir Khan in a washroom. What began as a casual moment quickly turned into a nerve-racking conversation.
According to the actor, Aamir looked at him and calmly remarked that they were about to film the most important scene in the entire movie. The statement immediately put pressure on Blackthorne, who admitted that he momentarily froze after hearing it.
Recalling the moment with amusement, he said he could only assure Aamir that he would do his best before suggesting they finish washing their hands and head back to the set.
The actor also spoke about the impact Aamir had on his performance throughout the film. Blackthorne praised the superstar's acting abilities, saying that working alongside someone of Aamir's calibre naturally elevates the performances of everyone around him.
Beyond acting, Lagaan also presented another challenge for the British actor cricket. Confident that being English would make the sport second nature, Blackthorne soon discovered otherwise after being dismissed on the very first ball during a friendly match organised by Aamir. The experience led to lunchtime cricket lessons throughout the shoot.
Released in 2001 and directed by Ashutosh Gowariker, Lagaan went on to become one of Indian cinema's most celebrated films. Twenty-five years later, its legacy continues to endure, with Blackthorne's Captain Russell remaining one of Bollywood's most memorable villains.
