In a heartfelt tribute to Indian cinema, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences recently celebrated the timeless charm of Ashutosh Gowariker’s 2001 epic ‘Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India’, rekindling nostalgia among film lovers across the globe.
The Academy posted a clip of the iconic song ‘Radha Kaise Na Jale’ on its official Instagram page, featuring a mesmerizing performance by Aamir Khan and Gracy Singh. The caption read:
“Love, longing and a little bit of fire in her eyes. Aamir Khan and Gracy Singh performing Radha Kaise Na Jale (vocals by Asha Bhosale and Udit Narayan) from Ashutosh Gowariker’s Lagaan. The film was nominated for Best Foreign Language Film (India) at the 74th Oscars.”
A Historic Oscar Journey
Originally released in 2001, Lagaan broke global barriers when it earned a nomination for Best Foreign Language Film at the 74th Academy Awards, marking a watershed moment for Indian cinema on the international stage. It became only the third Indian film after Mother India and Salaam Bombay! to be nominated in the category.
A Song that Captured Hearts
‘Radha Kaise Na Jale’, with vocals by Asha Bhosale and Udit Narayan, remains one of the film’s most beloved musical pieces. Composed by the legendary A.R. Rahman and penned by Javed Akhtar, the song blends classical Indian aesthetics with cinematic elegance. Its choreography, costumes, and visual storytelling continue to be celebrated for their cultural richness.
A Timeless Ensemble
Lagaan’s ensemble cast also featured Suhasini Mulay, Kulbhushan Kharbanda, Rajendra Gupta, Raghubir Yadav, and international talents like Rachel Shelley and Paul Blackthorne. Set in colonial India, the film tells a gripping story of oppressed villagers who challenge British officers to a game of cricket in a bid to resist oppressive taxation.
Fans React with Love
The Academy’s throwback sparked a flurry of admiration and emotion across social media:
“Legendary movie and musical score,” commented one user.
“Lagaan is simply ICONIC: the story, the dialogues, the cinematography, the background score, the music, and of course the performances from the whole cast. A true classic of Hindi cinema,” said another.
Legacy that Lives On
Two decades later, Lagaan continues to resonate as a symbol of India’s cinematic prowess, storytelling tradition, and cultural pride. The Academy’s spotlight not only honors the film’s historical Oscar nod but also reaffirms its global artistic impact.
As fans relive the magic of Radha Kaise Na Jale, it’s clear that Lagaan is not just a film—it’s a legacy.