‘Sab log Bisleri se nahate the; aapko jo man hai wo khaiye…’: Akhilendra Mishra says crew members were treated equally on set of Amir Khan-starrer Lagaan; why work inclusivity matters

“Yaha log Bisleri se nahate the. Yaha pe admi rakha gaya tha ki zara dekhna ki koi local pani na peele unita ka.” (People used to bathe with clean Bisleri water, and someone was appointed to make sure no one drank local water.)

According to Mishra, the work environment was such that it kept even members grounded, like bricks in a cemented wall. He added how the crew used to travel 26 kilometres from their place of stay to the shooting site at sunrise, only to be welcomed by a lavish buffet. “Kya kamaal naashta kijiye, jo man kare wo khaiye,” (The food arrangement was brilliant; we could eat whatever we wanted.) Mishra stressed they never faced derogatory statements like, “udhar jao tum log, udhar khao, ye continental inke liye hai” (Go there and eat; the continental food is not for you).

 

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Even 24 years after the film’s release, the actor still feels a deep sense of admiration and gratitude toward the team. Intrigued by his experience, we reached out to Arpita Kohli, clinical psychologist at PSRI Hospital, to understand how work inclusivity impacts a person.

How important is such equality in creating a sense of belonging in a team?

Kohli affirms that equal treatment plays a vital role in fostering a sense of belonging within a team. “When every member, regardless of their role, receives the same respect and basic comforts, it fosters a culture of mutual dignity.” According to her, in such an environment, people feel valued not only for their contribution but also as individuals.  “This sense of fairness eliminates hierarchical divides and encourages open communication, collaboration, and trust — all essential for a healthy and productive team dynamic,” says Kohli.

How can fair treatment and inclusivity impact mental well-being, stress levels, and motivation on high-pressure projects like film shoots?

“On high-pressure projects such as film shoots, fair treatment and inclusivity serve as strong psychological buffers against stress,” the psychologist explains. According to her, when team members feel included and respected, their “levels of anxiety and burnout” tend to decrease.  “A sense of inclusion enhances emotional security, allowing individuals to perform their best without fear of being overlooked or discriminated against.” She further adds that fair treatment and inclusivity at work also fuel motivation, as “people are naturally more willing to go the extra mile when they know their efforts are seen and appreciated.”

Can small gestures of respect and care — like what happened on the Lagaan set — strengthen team cohesion and collaboration?

“Absolutely,” Kohli affirms. “Small gestures such as sharing quality meals, acknowledging someone’s effort, or simply showing kindness can have a deep psychological impact,” Kohli points out. She further explains that these acts create an atmosphere of empathy and shared humanity, making team members feel connected beyond professional boundaries. She concludes, “This strengthens team cohesion and fosters a sense of unity, which directly enhances collaboration and collective creativity.”

How does feeling valued and included in a team affect long-term mental health and job satisfaction?

“Feeling valued and included significantly contributes to long-term mental health and job satisfaction,” the psychologist confirms. She explains that when individuals experience consistent respect and appreciation at work, it boosts self-esteem, reduces emotional exhaustion, and nurtures a positive outlook. She finally notes, “Over time, this leads to better emotional stability, loyalty to the team or organisation, and overall psychological well-being. Inclusivity, therefore, isn’t just a moral value — it’s a foundation for lasting mental and emotional health in any workplace.”