Aamir Khan deposits ‘lagaan’ on ancestral land

Hardoi (UP), November 25

Asked by authorities to pay rent on agricultural land held by him and his family, actor Aamir Khan has deposited the revenue for the property in his ancestral village of Akhtiyaarpur.

"A call was received today from Aamir Khan Productions about depositing the 'lagaan'. The permission was granted, although the authorisation letter has not been submitted," said Sub-Divisional Magistrate (Shahabad), Ashok Shukla.

Earlier, the local administration had directed Khan to deposit Rs 817.95 as revenue for the agricultural land held by him and his kin here.

Shukla said that 'Lagaan' star Aamir and his family members have ancestral land in Akhtiyaarpur village and the 'lagaan' was deposited every year.

However, till September this year, rent of Rs 118.20 payable by Khan, Rs 606 (sister Nikhat) and Rs 93.75 (Tahir, Raees, Bilkis Mansoor and others), totalling Rs 817.95 was not deposited, he said.

'Lagaan' was one of the biggest box office hits of 2001 and had received critical acclaim and awards at international film festivals.

The story revolves around a small village whose inhabitants, oppressed by high taxes, find themselves in an extraordinary situation when an arrogant British officer challenges them to a game of cricket as part of a wager to avoid paying taxes. — PTI