Lagaan's Goli: Ganguly thought my bowling was CGI!

The film Lagaan: Once Upon A Time In India, a beloved classic starring and produced by Aamir Khan, is approaching its 25th anniversary on June 15. Daya Shankar Pandey, who portrayed Goli, recently shared nostalgic insights into the making of the 2001 film.

Pandey recounted the deep camaraderie among the cast, mentioning that they have saved each other's phone numbers with their character names and still use them in conversation. He noted that two cast members, Shri Vallabh Vyas and Rajesh Vivek, are no longer with them. The actor also shared a humorous anecdote about a real Lagaan match where Sourav Ganguly, serving as an umpire, inquired about his unusual bowling action, suspecting it might have been computer-generated.

Discussing his casting, Pandey explained that Aamir Khan, whom he considers a 'Godbrother,' and director Ashutosh Gowariker were instrumental in casting him as Goli. Gowariker had meticulously detailed Goli's unique bowling style in the script. The film's journey to the Oscars, where it was nominated for Best Foreign Language Film, is also a significant aspect of its legacy.

Pandey also touched upon his long-running role as Inspector Chalu Pandey in the television show Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, a role he has played for 12 years.