Aamir Khan's Lagaan actors were asked to wash their hair with mineral water and standards were fantastic: Akhilendra Mishra

Akhilendra Mishra in a still from Lagaan (File Photo)

Aamir Khan's Lagaan, which was released in 2001, was among the most expensive Indian films of its time.

It was Aamir's debut as a producer with Lagaan, and it was shot in Bhuj, Gujarat, over several months. Given the distant setting, Aamir Khan's staff and production members went to tremendous measures to make sure the cast and crew were well cared for. They also built makeshift houses for the crew to stay comfortably.

Akhilendra Mishra, who played the role of Arjan in Lagaan, recently revealed some intriguing details about the film's development.

In an interview with Friday Talkies, he disclosed that the squad had access to cuisine from all around the world and was strictly advised to consume only mineral water. In reality, they were told to wash their hair with mineral water.

Also Read: Deepika Padukone responds to the most asked question: “Bengaluru or Mumbai?”

"Production management was superb. The film would not have been a hit without it. They provided everything you could want in terms of food and juice. Even the foreign performers were consuming Indian cuisine. There was a large continental food setup for them, but they all gravitated toward the Indian portion," Akhilendra Mishra recounted.

During the interview, Akhilendra went on to say, "The arrangements were fantastic, and the standards were international." They would set up several types of breakfast as soon as we woke up and stepped off our buses. You can eat and drink as much as you want; no one will stop you."

Akhilendra Mishra was impressed by the dramatic difference between Lagaan's production and other films.

"On the other side, on Lagaan's sets, things were reversed. People were making sure that no one drank the local water. Everyone must consume Bisleri water. They were particularly concerned about people's health. After all, it would disrupt the entire shoot. People were washing their hair with Bisleri there," he said.

Akhilendra Mishra also lauded seasoned actor Aamir Khan for his down-to-earth nature and behaviour. "He would sit down on the floor with us, talk with us, and eat with us," he added.

Akhilendra Mishra said Lagaan's success can be ascribed in part to its excellent production management and attention to detail. "The production management was superb. Without it, the film might not have been as successful."

Lagaan was made at a budget of Rs 25 in the year 2001. The film was directed by Ashutosh Gowariker and had superhit music by A. R. Rahman.

On the 12th of February 2002, Lagaan was nominated for best foreign language film at the Academy Award nominations ceremony.