Akhilendra Mishra credits Apoorva Lakhia for the success of 'Lagaan': 'He kept 10,000 people on their toes'
The iconic film ' Lagaan ', shot in the harsh deserts of Gujarat, was no small feat to pull off. From unforgiving weather to managing thousands on set, the project was an enormous challenge. But amidst all the chaos, one man emerged as the silent force behind its seamless execution — Apoorva Lakhia .
While Lagaan is often remembered for Ashutosh Gowariker ’s storytelling and Aamir Khan ’s commitment, actor Akhilendra Mishra recently turned the spotlight on Lakhia ’s contribution, crediting him with keeping the entire production running like clockwork. Speaking on the Friday Talkies YouTube channel, Mishra didn’t hold back his admiration for the assistant director, whose strict discipline and Hollywood-style systems left a lasting impression. He credited Apoorva Lakhia for the success of the six-month schedule of the movie. Even though Ashutosh Gowariker’s script made the film strong, it was Apoorva who had remarkable control over the set.
“He was incredible. That man kept 10,000 people on their toes. I saw it myself. Enough can’t be said about him. I was so impressed with him, I asked him about his background, and he told me he’d assisted in Hollywood,” Mishra said.
Mishra highlighted the strict discipline on set under Lakhia’s management, noting that even senior actors like Kulbhushan Kharbanda had to follow precise instructions. Movement was tightly controlled, with transportation arranged for every step — all part of an impressively organised system.
In an old interview with the same outlet, Lakhia reflected on those days on the set of the Aamir Khan-starrer and how strict he was with the actors and crew.
While Lagaan is often remembered for Ashutosh Gowariker ’s storytelling and Aamir Khan ’s commitment, actor Akhilendra Mishra recently turned the spotlight on Lakhia ’s contribution, crediting him with keeping the entire production running like clockwork. Speaking on the Friday Talkies YouTube channel, Mishra didn’t hold back his admiration for the assistant director, whose strict discipline and Hollywood-style systems left a lasting impression. He credited Apoorva Lakhia for the success of the six-month schedule of the movie. Even though Ashutosh Gowariker’s script made the film strong, it was Apoorva who had remarkable control over the set.
“He was incredible. That man kept 10,000 people on their toes. I saw it myself. Enough can’t be said about him. I was so impressed with him, I asked him about his background, and he told me he’d assisted in Hollywood,” Mishra said.
Mishra highlighted the strict discipline on set under Lakhia’s management, noting that even senior actors like Kulbhushan Kharbanda had to follow precise instructions. Movement was tightly controlled, with transportation arranged for every step — all part of an impressively organised system.
In an old interview with the same outlet, Lakhia reflected on those days on the set of the Aamir Khan-starrer and how strict he was with the actors and crew.
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