Hrithik Roshan‘s 2004 film ‘Lakshya,’ which means ‘aim’ in Hindi, is not just any war movie. It goes beyond the usual to explore themes of self-discovery and finding one’s purpose, all set against the backdrop of the Kargil War. Released on June 18, 2004, the film turns 20 today, but it holds a special place in hearts. From Hrithik’s dashing avatars, dance numbers like ‘Main Aisa Kyu Hoon’, ‘Kabhi Main Kahoo’, ‘Lakshya ko pana hai…’ to Preity Zinta’s fashion trend, there’s more to the film that makes it special even today.Let’s take a look at five fascinating facts that make this film unique:
Challenging filming conditions in Leh
Shooting ‘Lakshya’ in the remote region of Ladakh in India was incredibly tough. The cast and crew were far away from their usual comforts. There was no mobile network, so they couldn’t use their cell phones to call home. Instead, they had to rely on landline phones at the end of each day to talk to their families. This isolation made the filmmakers feel even more connected to the soldiers’ experiences, who also spend long periods away from their loved ones.
Harsh High-Altitude Environment
Filming in Ladakh’s high-altitude environment was a significant challenge. The air is very thin, which made it hard to breathe and caused altitude sickness for many actors and crew members. The tough conditions meant that scenes requiring multiple takes or any running often required the actors to use oxygen cylinders. This dedication to authenticity showed how committed everyone was to making the film as realistic as possible.
Casting Decisions
The role of Jalal Akbar, a conflicted soldier, was first offered to Arjun Rampal. However, it eventually went to Sushant Singh. This little-known fact shows how the character could have been portrayed differently. Despite having a fantastic cast, including Hrithik Roshan, Amitabh Bachchan, and Preity Zinta, ‘Lakshya’ was declared a box office flop when it was released. However, over the years, the film has gained a cult following because of its unique perspective and powerful performances.
Authentic Army Portrayal
To add a layer of realism, ‘Lakshya’ used real soldiers from the 13th Battalion, The Punjab Regiment, for many of the non-speaking army roles. Even the drill instructor, Subedar Srivardhan, was a real-life instructor with experience in the elite Brigade of the Guards, not an actor. This choice added authenticity to the film’s portrayal of military life, showing the discipline and camaraderie within the armed forces.
The Last Collaboration of Legends
‘Lakshya’ marked the final on-screen collaboration between two legendary actors, Amrish Puri and Amitabh Bachchan. Although they don’t share many scenes together, their presence adds significant weight to the film. Amrish Puri passed away shortly after the movie’s release, making ‘Lakshya’ an essential part of Indian cinema history as it preserves the last collaboration of these two iconic actors.
In conclusion, ‘Lakshya’ is a film that goes beyond being just a war movie. It dives deep into personal growth and finding one’s purpose, set against the challenging conditions of the Kargil War. From the tough filming conditions in Leh to the authentic portrayal of the army and the final collaboration of cinema legends, these five facts highlight what makes ‘Lakshya’ a special film.
Challenging filming conditions in Leh
Shooting ‘Lakshya’ in the remote region of Ladakh in India was incredibly tough. The cast and crew were far away from their usual comforts. There was no mobile network, so they couldn’t use their cell phones to call home. Instead, they had to rely on landline phones at the end of each day to talk to their families. This isolation made the filmmakers feel even more connected to the soldiers’ experiences, who also spend long periods away from their loved ones.
Harsh High-Altitude Environment
Filming in Ladakh’s high-altitude environment was a significant challenge. The air is very thin, which made it hard to breathe and caused altitude sickness for many actors and crew members. The tough conditions meant that scenes requiring multiple takes or any running often required the actors to use oxygen cylinders. This dedication to authenticity showed how committed everyone was to making the film as realistic as possible.
Casting Decisions
The role of Jalal Akbar, a conflicted soldier, was first offered to Arjun Rampal. However, it eventually went to Sushant Singh. This little-known fact shows how the character could have been portrayed differently. Despite having a fantastic cast, including Hrithik Roshan, Amitabh Bachchan, and Preity Zinta, ‘Lakshya’ was declared a box office flop when it was released. However, over the years, the film has gained a cult following because of its unique perspective and powerful performances.
Authentic Army Portrayal
To add a layer of realism, ‘Lakshya’ used real soldiers from the 13th Battalion, The Punjab Regiment, for many of the non-speaking army roles. Even the drill instructor, Subedar Srivardhan, was a real-life instructor with experience in the elite Brigade of the Guards, not an actor. This choice added authenticity to the film’s portrayal of military life, showing the discipline and camaraderie within the armed forces.
The Last Collaboration of Legends
‘Lakshya’ marked the final on-screen collaboration between two legendary actors, Amrish Puri and Amitabh Bachchan. Although they don’t share many scenes together, their presence adds significant weight to the film. Amrish Puri passed away shortly after the movie’s release, making ‘Lakshya’ an essential part of Indian cinema history as it preserves the last collaboration of these two iconic actors.
In conclusion, ‘Lakshya’ is a film that goes beyond being just a war movie. It dives deep into personal growth and finding one’s purpose, set against the challenging conditions of the Kargil War. From the tough filming conditions in Leh to the authentic portrayal of the army and the final collaboration of cinema legends, these five facts highlight what makes ‘Lakshya’ a special film.
