The Academy's celebration of the beloved Indian classic revives global nostalgia
In a heartwarming nod to Indian cinema, the Oscars Academy recently paid tribute to the 2001 cinematic masterpiece Lagaan by sharing a nostalgic clip from the film’s iconic song “Radha Kaise Na Jale”. Featuring the beloved on-screen duo of Aamir Khan and Gracy Singh, the song, composed by A.R. Rahman, remains one of the most memorable moments from the Oscar-nominated film.
The tribute was posted on the Academy’s official Instagram handle, sparking an outpouring of emotion and appreciation from fans around the world.
A Song That Still Resonates
Captioned with poetic admiration, the Academy wrote:
“Love, longing and a little bit of fire in her eyes. Aamir Khan and Gracy Singh performing Radha Kaise Na Jale (vocals by Asha Bhosale and Udit Narayan) from Ashutosh Gowariker's Lagaan. The film was nominated for Best Foreign Language Film (India) at the 74th Oscars.”
Set against a rural Indian backdrop during British colonial rule, Lagaan was more than just a sports drama. It was a story of courage, unity, and resistance. And within this powerful narrative, “Radha Kaise Na Jale” stood out as a lyrical and visual treat—blending Indian classical music with rich storytelling.
A Film That Made History
Directed by Ashutosh Gowariker, Lagaan was India’s official entry to the 74th Academy Awards and went on to be nominated for Best Foreign Language Film. The nomination alone was a milestone, placing Indian storytelling on a global pedestal. The film’s blend of rural realism, patriotic fervor, and cultural depth has earned it legendary status in Indian cinema.
The song “Radha Kaise Na Jale,” with Asha Bhosale and Udit Narayan’s soulful vocals and A.R. Rahman’s composition, encapsulated the core emotional tension of the film—love, jealousy, and divine symbolism, all staged in a festive village setting.
Fans React with Emotion and Pride
As expected, the Academy’s tribute struck a nostalgic chord. The comments section of the Instagram post quickly filled with heartfelt messages and admiration from global fans.
One user wrote:
"Lagaan is simply ICONIC: the story, the dialogues, the cinematography, the background score, the music, and of course the performances from the whole cast. A true classic of Hindi cinema."
Another highlighted the beautiful fusion of India's cultural and religious diversity, remarking:
“Hindu prayer song performed by a Muslim, written by a Muslim, composed by a Muslim. Welcome to India, folks.”
A third comment summed up the sentiment:
“Legendary movie and musical score.”
The tribute served as a powerful reminder of what Lagaan continues to represent—artistic brilliance, unity in diversity, and the enduring power of Indian storytelling.
Why the Academy’s Acknowledgement Matters
While Indian films have often struggled to gain consistent recognition at international awards like the Oscars, moments like this serve as important milestones. They reflect the growing global appreciation for Indian cinema, especially films that go beyond commercial formulae to touch universal themes.
The Academy’s decision to highlight a 20+ year-old film speaks volumes about Lagaan’s timeless impact. It also reinforces how Indian filmmakers, musicians, and actors continue to shape global cultural conversations.
The Legacy of Lagaan
Over two decades since its release, Lagaan remains an undisputed classic. Whether it’s the rousing cricket match climax, the powerful soundtrack, or the layered character portrayals, every element of the film continues to be studied, revisited, and celebrated.
Aamir Khan, who also produced the film, was instrumental in making it a crossover success. Gracy Singh, with her poised and emotive performance as Gauri, left a lasting impression. Together, under Gowariker’s visionary direction and Rahman’s unmatched musical prowess, they created cinematic history.
Final Thoughts
As the Academy pays homage to Lagaan, fans are reminded not just of a film—but of a moment in time when Indian cinema proudly stood shoulder to shoulder with the world’s best. The song “Radha Kaise Na Jale” is more than a melody; it’s a cultural touchstone, rich in artistry and emotion.
And perhaps, what makes this tribute so special is not just that it came from the Oscars—but that it reaffirmed the global language of cinema: one of music, movement, emotion, and identity.
Lagaan may have been released in 2001, but moments like this prove that true art never ages—it only echoes louder with time.
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