"I didn’t want to get into films."
Gracy Singh made her full Bollywood debut opposite Aamir Khan in the critically-acclaimed Lagaan.
She admitted to having “apprehensions” about being a part of the industry but now, she feels proud about it.
The 2001 film was the story of how the inhabitants of a small village in India, ravaged by drought and burdened by taxes, stake their future on a game of cricket with the British.
On June 15, 2021, Lagaan celebrated 20 years since it was released.
On the feedback she got for Lagaan from her Bollywood colleagues, Gracy, who played Gauri, said:
“I got a lot of love. I had never thought that the film industry would be like this.
“I had some apprehensions; which is why I didn’t want to get into films.
“However, it’s such a beautiful world and I am very proud to be a part of the film industry.
“The people here are very nice and they encourage new talent.
“I was not from a film background and yet everyone was so encouraging and affectionate.”
Gracy also recalled the compliments that she received from Shabana Azmi and Vidhu Vinod Chopra.
She continued: “Everyone was very kind. I remember meeting Shabana Azmi ji who told me, ‘You have a very expressive face’.
“Even Vidhu Vinod Chopra ji gave compliments.
“And there were a lot more who said nice things about me and my role.”
Following Lagaan, Gracy Singh was seen in the likes of Munna Bhai MBBS and Deshdrohi.
She is currently a part of the mythological television show Santoshi Maa – Sunayein Vrat Kathayein.
To celebrate the 20th anniversary of Lagaan, the cast and crew are reuniting for Chale Chalo Lagaan – Once Upon an Impossible Dream.
It will stream on Netflix India’s YouTube channel.
Aamir Khan said the team “broke our backs” while making Lagaan, but their hearts were full of joy.
He said: “Lagaan has showered us all with so much love.
“I am so grateful to all my fellow travellers on this magical journey.
“Starting with Ashu and his team of writers, the entire cast and crew, all our partners, our distributors, my seniors from the film industry who lent their wholehearted support, the exhibition sector, and most importantly, our audience, I can’t thank all of you enough.
“Lagaan is something I am extremely grateful for and I will always cherish every memory of this ongoing journey.
“It is also so wonderful to see that the journey of Lagaan continues, and I am really looking forward to reconnecting with the Lagaan gang thanks to this initiative by Netflix.”
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