Rachel Shelley Shares Behind-the-Scenes Photos from Lagaan SetsIANS

British actress Rachel Shelley has taken fans back to the sets of Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India, sharing previously unseen glimpses of the period drama on social media as the film marks its 25th anniversary.

Shelley, who played Elizabeth Russell in the 2001 film, posted a series of throwback photographs showing moments from the production. One image features her riding a horse in her character’s costume, while another shows her seated among villagers alongside co-star Gracy Singh, who wore a yellow saree.

A third photograph captures Shelley holding hands with a crew member in a candid moment from the shoot.

“A few more #BTS for any #LagaanLovers out there… #Lagaan #25yearsoflagaan #elizabeth,” Shelley wrote alongside the pictures.

Rachel Shelley’s Role in Aamir Khan’s ‘Lagaan’

In Lagaan, Shelley portrayed Elizabeth Russell, the compassionate sister of Captain Andrew Russell, played by Paul Blackthorne. While her brother represents British colonial authority in the story, Elizabeth secretly helps the villagers learn cricket as they prepare for a match that could determine their fate.

Her character also develops feelings for Bhuvan, played by Aamir Khan. However, Bhuvan is in love with Gauri, portrayed by Gracy Singh, leaving Elizabeth heartbroken.

Written and directed by Ashutosh Gowariker, the film was produced by Khan under his production banner and released on June 15, 2001. Its ensemble cast included Kulbhushan Kharbanda, alongside Khan, Singh, Shelley and Blackthorne.

The film’s music was composed by A.R. Rahman, with lyrics by Javed Akhtar. Lagaan went on to earn an Academy Award nomination for Best Foreign Language Film at the 74th Academy Awards.

‘Lagaan’ Marks 25 Years Since Release

The anniversary has brought the film’s legacy back into focus. In June 2026, members of the team reunited for a special script-reading to mark 25 years since the film’s release and revisit memories of its making.

Shelley’s latest photographs offer a personal look at the production behind the cricket drama, which combined a story about colonial rule with the villagers’ fight against an oppressive tax imposed during a drought.

The social media post adds to the anniversary celebrations surrounding a film that remains one of the best-known titles in Aamir Khan’s career.