Lagaan – History Revisited

Note: Click on pictures to get enlarged view.

meanwhile you can see all of this pics and more of them in my THIS album.

After so many posts by theBollywoodFan [I think the biggest fan of Lagaan, I have ever met], I thought I should try my hand at this great flick too. [I know I can't write SUCH good words, like he does]. Also Lagaan being my most favorite movie.

When I commented in tBF's blog, he was so glad to know that I had visited the location of shoot where Lagaan did happen. So I decided to visit the place Again, and this time with a camera [which I forgot last time, and I din't have camera phone too]. And voila, tBF's Birthday was recently. So here, is my birthday gift for you.

So, there, I was. At Mandvi, a very remote place in Kutchh region of Gujarat state of India. Many parts of the shoot was done over here. While the main set of village Champaner was about 50kms away from here, Village Kuneria near district headquarter Bhuj. These days I am working at nearby place. So last weekend, I just packed my bag and alone went to the place. Listening to the songs of nothing but Lagaan and other songs by A R Rehman. Due to security warnings on coastal area [cause Pakistan border is very near], I chose not to go by my vehicle, and went by a bus.

Here, when my iPod started 'Rang de basanti', and at the same time scene outside my window was this -

Then I reached the place, Mandvi, which once upon a time, was a big port. When wooden ships were ruling the seas. Still they are made here
That reminded me of recently watched flick – Evan Almighty –

Then I reached THE place. The Vijay Vilas Palace – 5 kms away from main city. I felt really crazy. Really happy….and so on. I was visiting the place for second time – still the feel was awesome. From main gate, the palace is 1km inside a little kind of jungle. See here. The jungle which was used for the introduction scene of Bhuvan. I din't dare to go beneath that little jungle, as I was alone J

In the movie – its here.

My ipod was still playing Lagaan. I played trick. Turned to the track 'spirit of Lagaan'. When I was about to see the palace. See, how its hiding under bushes and trees

When I saw the peak of palace, my iPod started the track. Amazing feeling it was. The Royal Sound was coming from Rehman. Then I entered there. Its Not as great as many palaces in India, but still it had the 'Lagaan' factor, which feels great. I don't want to talk much about the palace history, as its available on Wiki. But see, its beautiful.

See the movie snapshot -.

Now most of the part of this blog is going to be a photo blog. Just the pics I have taken, and the pics from movie itself. You will recognize them which is from movie and by me, itself.

In the movie,

And without the flowers,

also Lakha is coming that way…

This, and this

The entrance of the palace. Here…
King Pragmalji is looking at his palace, always, as an idol. See here.

While our Reel life king is here. See behind him.

When brother-sister, confrontation happened on the terrace….. This terrace witnessed it all..

The terrace also witnessed Charm of Elizabeth…here.



That terrace was the most favorite place of mine. I played non-stop, the track 'O rey Chhori' while roaming there. Its on height and on two sides of the palace, sea is there. So atmosphere and look is awesome from there.

No drop of rain no glowing flame…

The beautiful dome…
Here,
only thing I missed in the following picture, was – Rachelle. Wished if doors get open, and she comes…

Like this… [the room is locked, visitors are not allowed, as the king still live in there sometimes]
After such hard work..how about a shower….or maybe a fountain ??



Ufff…………tired? Need chairs?? Here are some. But look for Rachelle, she is roaming here too…..

See…I told you ..she's here
Also these chairs used for breakfast…

Here…..

OOOOPSSS……That's me…..[sorry dear Rajaji, but I couldn't resist being part of the history ;-)]

Last three photos were taken inside the palace, where there are antique things are placed. So many of them are there, but my hard luck was – there was some power failure , so couldn't take much pics inside. Cause it was dark.

Still I managed to take some interesting pics, see for yourself.
The Lagaan crew with King of Mandvi, [see Aamir wearing cap]. Very fuzzy pics are here, due to low lighting conditions. Person wearing cap is King, and lady next to him is Queen. While I can't recognize any other of them. Help me out if you know. [click on image to enlarge]

Now going on other movie. Yes, another movie shot here was Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam. Only some portion of the song 'Chand Chhupa' was shot on the terrace of this palace. See for yourself.

While, watching the movie again, I found one interesting trivia. See these two pictures I found in museum of the palace. These pictures shows different shots of the song 'Chand chhupa'. Which are different than what is shown in the movie. [pic quality is poor due to low light].

See in the museum picture,

While in the movie, we saw this

Another one……in the museum was………….
And in the movie,,,,it was…….

Maybe, the song itself in the soundtrack, was long. And in the movie, one antara was cut. So must be re-shoot.
Now coming back to Lagaan. [is this post getting Long??!!!]

I left after some good hours at the Palace. Humming and listening 'Chale Chalo' [as I was returning from British Chhavni]. I met someone. In the jungle outside. A girl. Look who's that?

Though, she was very shy, and quickly ran away. Giving me hint about this….from the movie again.

While leaving the palace, at the main gate, something still striked in my mind about Lagaan…..see the boys playing the most favorite sport of India.

Near to the palace, there is a beautiful beach. And a more beautiful beach resort, where Lagaan crew came every other weekend to get tanned. The Beach Palace Resort. See for yourself.

Why I have put that pic? Again, Lagaan is the reason. See Bhuvan, Gauri and Elizabeth dancing on its sand…

Another movie strikes in my mind, when I saw this Restaurant cum Beach Hut of the resort……which movie???? Here is a hint,, its another Aamir's movie…
Now….come on ,,,,give answer in comment…here is the photo of the beach hut.

Phewww…….

There my journey to the History. Once upon a time, in Mandvi. Was over. So tired I was. And so much content too, because of being part of the History. I lied down at beach. Got wet in waters. Chased Crabs…….. Wrote my name on Virgin Beach.

Had fun……

My next target is……nothing else but the Village Kuneria….Where the set was constructed for Champaner. I know that there is nothing left overthere. The set and even the temple is removed after the movie shoot was over. Still….i want to touch that land….where the greatest match was played.