Gracy Singh says she had ‘apprehensions’ about Bollywood, reveals Shabana Azmi’s compliment for Lagaan

Gracy Singh, who made her full-fledged Bollywood debut opposite Aamir Khan in Ashutosh Gowariker’s critically-acclaimed Lagaan, admitted to having ‘apprehensions’ about being a part of the film industry. However, she now feels proud about it.

Lagaan, starring Aamir Khan and Gracy Singh, was the story of how the inhabitants of a small village in India, ravaged by drought and burdened by taxes, stake their future on a game of cricket with the British. The film, which completed two decades of its release on Tuesday, was nominated in the Best Foreign Language Film category at the 74th Academy Awards.

Speaking with Bollywood Hungama about the feedback she got for Lagaan from her colleagues in the film industry, Gracy said, “I got a lot of love. Maine toh socha bhi nahi tha ki film industry aisi hoti hogi (I had never thought that the film industry would be like this). I had some apprehensions; which is why I didn’t want to get into films. However, it’s such a beautiful world and I am very proud to be a part of the film industry. Yahaan bahut acche log bhi hai aur naye-naye artists ko encourage bhi karte hai (The people here are very nice and they encourage new talent). I was not from a film background and yet everyone was so encouraging and affectionate.”

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Gracy recalled compliments from Shabana Azmi and Vidhu Vinod Chopra. “Everyone was very kind. I remember meeting Shabana Azmi ji who told me, ‘You have a very expressive face.’ Even Vidhu Vinod Chopra ji gave compliments. And there were a lot more who said nice things about me and my role,” she said.

After Lagaan, Gracy was seen in films such as Gangaajal, Munna Bhai MBBS and Deshdrohi. She is currently a part of the mythological television show Santoshi Maa - Sunayein Vrat Kathayein.