Aamir Khan and Reena Dutta played bride's parents on 'Lagaan' set; Real wedding took place during shoot; Amin Hajee shares

As 'Lagaan' completes 25 years, new stories from the making of the iconic film continue to capture the attention of movie lovers. Actor Amin Hajee, who played Baghaa in the Oscar-nominated drama, recently opened up about some unforgettable moments from the shoot.Speaking about his personal journey, Amin revealed to PTI that the film unexpectedly changed his life. During the casting process, the makers recruited several foreign cricketers to portray members of the British team in the film. Among them was Jamie, who would later become part of Amin's family.Jamie arrived in India with his sister Charlotte, who soon developed a close bond with Amin. What started as a chance meeting eventually turned into a lasting relationship that has now spanned more than two decades.Recalling the beginning of their story, Amin said, "My wife Charlotte had just finished anthropology, so she just wanted to come and see the most great specimens and she came with her brother and she saw me and thought he is the odd one. I have to research this specimen and now it has been 25–26 years since she has been paying three times Lagaan."

Real wedding took place on the film set

One of the most remarkable memories from the production involved a real-life wedding.

Amin revealed that Jamie later married his girlfriend Catherine while the film was being shot.Instead of choosing a conventional venue, the couple decided to exchange vows at one of the movie's shooting locations. The ceremony was held inside the same temple featured in the film, making it a memorable occasion for everyone associated with the project.The wedding became a celebration for the entire unit, with cast and crew members joining the festivities and turning the event into a grand gathering.

Aamir Khan and Reena Dutta played special roles

The wedding became even more unique because of the involvement of actor Aamir Khan and his then-wife Reena Dutta.According to Amin, the pair stepped into the roles of the bride's parents during the ceremony. Their participation added a special touch to the occasion and created memories that have remained fresh even after all these years.Sharing details of the celebration, Amin said, "My wife’s brother Jamie got married to his girlfriend.

We used to call her Catkin, but her name was Catherine. So, she and Jamie married on our set in the same mandir my character Baghaa lives as the temple drummer. So, they got married there, and Reena Dutta and Aamir Khan were the mother and father who gave the bride away, and the entire baraat was the Lagaan cast and crew. We have gotten some great moments and memories.

It was magical."

Rachel Shelley on 'Lagaan's journey

The film's 25th anniversary has also encouraged several cast members to revisit their memories of working on the project.British actress Rachel Shelley, who portrayed Elizabeth Russell in the film, recently shared a video on social media reflecting on her experience. Looking back at the landmark film, she expressed gratitude for the journey and the lasting connection she continues to share with it.Released in 2001 and directed by Ashutosh Gowariker, 'Lagaan' remains one of the most celebrated films in Indian cinema.