‘Was overwhelmed to see spot boys; things in Hollywood are different’

English actor Rachel Shelley (above) cannot believe that it has already been 16 years since she shot for the iconic film Lagaan. The actor, who played the role of Captain Russell’s (Paul Blackthorne) sister, Elizabeth, speaks to us on the film’s 16th anniversary, and recalls the “magical time” she had while shooting for the film in Bhuj, Gujarat. Excerpts:

How did you land the role? I gave auditions. But after I got a call, I was made to mime and dance to the song — Prelude from The Sound of Music. Since I am not a trained dancer, a friend helped me with the moves. I remember Aamir [Khan] was there at the audition. I was keen to return to India and work there, because I had been to the country before. Paul (Blackthorne) told us that learning Hindi was tough for him. How was the experience for you? Of course it was. My biggest preparation [for the film] was learning Hindi. But I was luckier than Paul. He had to speak Hindi as if he had been doing it for a while, whereas I had to speak it, as I had just come to the country (laughs).

How did your family and friends react when you told them you will be in a Bollywood film? They were all so excited. But I remember my agent at that time said, ‘Go ahead and do it, but you will never hear of the film afterwards’. Look how wrong she was now.

Tell us about your experience of shooting for the film? I had a magical time while shooting for the film. I remember it was the first ever mainstream commercial Bollywood film, to use sync sound technology, which meant everyone had to be quiet while the shooting was going on. Then I was also overwhelmed to see spot boys, because in Hollywood, things are different, and there aren’t many people involved in a film’s shoot.

I remember it was the first ever mainstream commercial Bollywood film to use sync sound technology RACHEL SHELLEY, ACTOR

ACTOR