Did you know about Aamir Khan’s mustache dilemma during the filming of ‘Lagaan’? Ashutosh Gowariker shares some BTS insights |

‘Lagaan,’ one of the most iconic films in Hindi cinema, continues to captivate audiences, even more than two decades after its release. Directed by Ashutosh Gowariker, the 2001 epic sports drama not only impressed viewers with its gripping story of an oppressed village fighting British colonizers in a cricket match but also earned international acclaim by securing a nomination at the 74th Academy Awards in the Best Foreign Language Film category.The film starred Aamir Khan, who played the memorable role of Bhuvan, alongside Gracy Singh, Rachel Shelley, and Hollywood actor Paul Blackthorne.
What many fans may not know, however, is that Aamir Khan faced an unexpected challenge during the making of ‘Lagaan’—his mustache. Recently, the social media handle of Aamir Khan’s banner shared an interesting behind-the-scenes video from the set on Instagram, shedding light on this amusing incident. The clip showcases Aamir experimenting with different mustaches, unsure of how the look would work for his character.
The video begins with Aamir standing in front of a mirror, shaving his beard while sporting a mustache. He says, “I am going to show it to Ashu (Ashutosh Gowariker) and then come back here and remove this,” highlighting his uncertainty about whether the mustache would suit his character, Bhuvan, or not.In the background, the film’s director Ashutosh Gowariker narrates how meticulous Aamir Khan is when it comes to his on-screen roles. He reveals, “Aamir was seriously worried about his mustache, or rather his lack of one,” indicating that the actor was particularly concerned about how his character would appear in the film, especially considering the clean-shaven look typically associated with village boys of that era.
The behind-the-scenes clip also includes moments where Aamir humorously reflects on his situation, mentioning the challenges of maintaining the mustache given the tough conditions in the film’s setting. He remarks, “Ek toh baarish nahin hai, khaane ke vaande hain, aur ye shave kar raha hai,” poking fun at the character’s daily struggles while considering his facial hair.

Ashutosh Gowariker further elaborates on how Aamir kept presenting him with different mustache styles, hoping to find one that would fit his character. Ultimately, however, the director made the final call to have Bhuvan appear without a mustache in the film, feeling that the clean-shaven look would better suit the story and character.
The Instagram post from Aamir Khan Productions, captioned “toh ka kar sakte the, tha koi chaara?” (What could be done? Was there any other option?), sparked a flurry of responses from fans. The internet users were quick to praise the actor’s commitment and dedication, further solidifying his status as one of Bollywood’s finest talents.
While Aamir Khan’s mustache may have caused some light-hearted tension on set, his dedication to the craft and attention to detail undeniably played a significant role in the film’s success. ‘Lagaan’ remains a timeless masterpiece, and its behind-the-scenes stories, like this one, offer fans a deeper appreciation for the hard work that went into making it a cinematic triumph.