Ashutosh Gowariker’s third directorial effort, Lagaan (2001) went on to become one of the few Indian films that was nominated for an Oscar. It lost the race, but was a major success both critically and commercially. A heady mix of patriotism and cricket, cinema halls would get converted into stadia in the film’s final half hour when the film’s protagonist, Bhuvan (Aamir Khan) and his team of unlikely cricketers take on the might of the British Empire, in a highly charged and symbolic game of cricket.

Born in Mumbai, Gowariker graduated from the Mithibai College where he participated in various cultural activities. Starting his career as an actor in film, television and advertising, he was seen in several interesting ventures including Ketan Mehta’s Holi (1984), Mahesh Bhatt’s Naam (1986), Saeed Mirza’s Salim Langde Pe Mat Ro (1989) and Kundan Shah’s Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa (1994), apart from the popular television series Kachchi Dhoop (1987) and Circus (1989).

His first two films as director, Pehla Nasha (1993) and Baazi (1995) were not very impressive and although he had written the script for Lagaan soon after, it would take nearly six years to realise the dream. Eventually it was his good friend Aamir who agreed to produce and play the lead in this mammoth production with a huge cast and crew which camped in the Gujarat’s Kutch district for months where they constructed an entire village near Bhuj. Shah Rukh Khan, who had turned down Lagaan, agreed to work with Gowariker on Swades (2004), yet another patriotic film that traced the journey of an NRI who makes a trip back to his home country. The film received critical acclaim though its box-office fortunes were modest.

Gowariker’s next was Jodhaa Akbar (2008) a semi-fictional historical drama about the love story between Emperor Akbar (Hrithik Roshan) and the Rajput princess Jodhaa (Aishwarya Rai). Once again plotting his narrative on a grand scale with elaborate set design and choreographed battle scenes, the film along with the soundtrack by A R Rahman was much appreciated. Gowariker’s subsequent productions, What’s Your Rashee? (2009) and Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey (2010), did not do well in the box office.