Blab Entertainment
Gracy Singh Celebrates 25 Years of Lagaan, Gauri Becomes Her Second Name
On 15 June 2026, the 25th anniversary of the Hindi‑language epic Lagaan was marked by a reunion of the film’s principal cast and crew in Mumbai. The gathering was hosted by actor‑producer Aamir Khan and director Ashutosh Gowariker, and was attended by several of the original performers, including Gracy Singh, who played the village belle Gauri. The event coincided with the theatrical re‑release of the film, which first opened in India on 15 June 2001.
Gracy Singh, who was 20 years old when she was cast, used the anniversary to reflect on her experience in the film. In a video posted to her social‑media account, she said that the character of Gauri had become so popular that many people began addressing her by that name in real life. “I am very fortunate to play the role of Gauri, which had so much impact on the audience that Gauri became my second name in real life,” she said. She thanked the cast and crew, and specifically praised Aamir Khan, producer Reena Datta, and director Gowariker for their contributions to the film’s success.
The film itself is widely regarded as a milestone in Indian cinema. Written and directed by Gowariker, Lagaan follows villagers in 1893 who, burdened by high taxes and drought, challenge a British officer to a game of cricket to avoid paying the levy. The story was praised for its blend of sports drama and social commentary. It was produced on a budget of ₹25 crore (US$5.3 million) and earned ₹65.97 crore (US$13.98 million) during its initial run, making it the third highest‑grossing Hindi film of 2001. The soundtrack, composed by A. R. Rahman with lyrics by Javed Akhtar, remains popular, and songs such as “Ghanan Ghanan” and “Radha Kaise Na Jale” are still frequently played.
Lagaan received critical acclaim worldwide. It won eight awards at the 47th Filmfare Awards, including Best Film, Best Director for Gowariker, and Best Actor for Khan. At the 49th National Film Awards it also won eight prizes, including Best Popular Film. Internationally, the film was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, becoming only the third Indian film to receive such a nomination after Mother India (1957) and Salaam Bombay! (1988).
The 25th‑anniversary celebrations included a screening of the film in select theatres across India and a reunion event in Mumbai on 13 June. The gathering brought together the original cast, including Gracy Singh, Rachel Shelley, and Kulbhushan Kharbanda, as well as crew members such as art director Nitin Chandrakant Desai and costume designer Bhanu Athaiya. The event was covered by several media outlets, and several prominent Bollywood actors, including Salman Khan and Kareena Kapoor, attended the celebration.
Gracy Singh’s remarks highlight the enduring impact of the film on audiences. Her statement that fans refer to her as Gauri underscores the character’s lasting resonance. The anniversary also serves as a reminder of Lagaan’s place in the history of Indian cinema, as a film that combined commercial success with critical recognition and international acknowledgment.
The 25th‑anniversary events reaffirm the film’s status as a classic and demonstrate the lasting influence of its story, music, and performances. As of 21 June 2026, the film remains available on streaming platforms, and its legacy continues to be celebrated by new generations of viewers.
Gracy Singh, who was 20 years old when she was cast, used the anniversary to reflect on her experience in the film. In a video posted to her social‑media account, she said that the character of Gauri had become so popular that many people began addressing her by that name in real life. “I am very fortunate to play the role of Gauri, which had so much impact on the audience that Gauri became my second name in real life,” she said. She thanked the cast and crew, and specifically praised Aamir Khan, producer Reena Datta, and director Gowariker for their contributions to the film’s success.
The film itself is widely regarded as a milestone in Indian cinema. Written and directed by Gowariker, Lagaan follows villagers in 1893 who, burdened by high taxes and drought, challenge a British officer to a game of cricket to avoid paying the levy. The story was praised for its blend of sports drama and social commentary. It was produced on a budget of ₹25 crore (US$5.3 million) and earned ₹65.97 crore (US$13.98 million) during its initial run, making it the third highest‑grossing Hindi film of 2001. The soundtrack, composed by A. R. Rahman with lyrics by Javed Akhtar, remains popular, and songs such as “Ghanan Ghanan” and “Radha Kaise Na Jale” are still frequently played.
Lagaan received critical acclaim worldwide. It won eight awards at the 47th Filmfare Awards, including Best Film, Best Director for Gowariker, and Best Actor for Khan. At the 49th National Film Awards it also won eight prizes, including Best Popular Film. Internationally, the film was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, becoming only the third Indian film to receive such a nomination after Mother India (1957) and Salaam Bombay! (1988).
The 25th‑anniversary celebrations included a screening of the film in select theatres across India and a reunion event in Mumbai on 13 June. The gathering brought together the original cast, including Gracy Singh, Rachel Shelley, and Kulbhushan Kharbanda, as well as crew members such as art director Nitin Chandrakant Desai and costume designer Bhanu Athaiya. The event was covered by several media outlets, and several prominent Bollywood actors, including Salman Khan and Kareena Kapoor, attended the celebration.
Gracy Singh’s remarks highlight the enduring impact of the film on audiences. Her statement that fans refer to her as Gauri underscores the character’s lasting resonance. The anniversary also serves as a reminder of Lagaan’s place in the history of Indian cinema, as a film that combined commercial success with critical recognition and international acknowledgment.
The 25th‑anniversary events reaffirm the film’s status as a classic and demonstrate the lasting influence of its story, music, and performances. As of 21 June 2026, the film remains available on streaming platforms, and its legacy continues to be celebrated by new generations of viewers.
