In a beautiful surprise for Bollywood fans around the world, The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences recently shared a clip of the popular song “Radha Kaise Na Jale” from the iconic film Lagaan (2001) on their official social media account. The Academy, which is famous for the Oscars, posted the video with a nostalgic caption, reigniting fond memories of the film’s powerful storytelling, music, and emotional depth. As expected, fans across the globe flooded the comments section with love, nostalgia, and admiration.
Lagaan is not just any Bollywood film—it is a cinematic masterpiece that has earned global respect. Directed by Ashutosh Gowariker and starring Aamir Khan, the movie was India’s official entry to the Academy Awards in 2002 and was even nominated for Best Foreign Language Film. The film’s mix of patriotism, sportsmanship, drama, and music made it unforgettable. Among its many memorable songs, “Radha Kaise Na Jale” stands out for its melodic beauty and cultural richness.
This magical song, sung by Asha Bhosale and Udit Narayan, is a beautiful mix of classical Indian music and vibrant visuals. Composed by A.R. Rahman, the song showcases the playful yet intense emotion between Radha and Krishna, symbolized by the characters of Gauri (Gracy Singh) and Bhuvan (Aamir Khan). Its lyrics, penned by Javed Akhtar, express the innocent jealousy of Radha as Krishna charms other women—a theme rooted deeply in Indian mythology and folk tradition.
When The Academy posted the song, fans couldn’t contain their excitement. Comments like “Thank you for celebrating Indian cinema”, “This song is pure gold”, and “Lagaan is a treasure we are proud of” filled the timeline. Many users were amazed to see The Academy giving a shout-out to a Bollywood song, which reflects the growing appreciation for Indian cinema on global platforms.
The Academy’s tweet or Instagram post didn’t just celebrate a song—it recognized an era when Indian films were crossing boundaries and winning hearts internationally. At a time when Indian films are making waves at festivals like Cannes, Toronto, and even the Oscars, revisiting Lagaan feels like coming back to where the journey truly took flight. Lagaan was among the first Indian films to gain widespread critical acclaim abroad, long before the era of OTT platforms and global streaming.
The impact of the song goes beyond its tune. “Radha Kaise Na Jale” is a cultural expression. It showcases traditional Indian clothing, folk dance, and the emotional essence of love and devotion. Watching it today reminds fans of the rich storytelling that Bollywood is known for. For many people, the song also brings back personal memories of childhood, of watching Lagaan in theatres or on television with family.
One fan wrote, “This is not just a song, it’s a feeling. Thank you for reminding us how beautiful Indian cinema is.” Another comment said, “This shows why Rahman sir is a genius. No matter how many years pass, this still gives goosebumps.”
For younger fans who are discovering Indian classics now, The Academy’s post acted as a gateway. Many users mentioned that they had not watched Lagaan before but were now planning to do so. This proves how a single song, when presented on a global stage, can reignite interest in an entire film and culture.
It’s also a proud moment for Indian music and musicians. A.R. Rahman, who has already won two Oscars for Slumdog Millionaire, has often spoken about how music is a universal language. Seeing one of his early masterpieces get international recognition again only strengthens his position as a global music icon.
Moreover, this post came at a time when Indian films are once again making headlines globally. Movies like RRR, The Elephant Whisperers, and All That Breathes have recently made it big on international platforms. This highlights the rising respect for Indian storytelling, music, and art.
While Lagaan was ahead of its time in many ways, the song “Radha Kaise Na Jale” captures something timeless. Its emotional honesty, cultural beauty, and musical brilliance make it relevant even today. The post by The Academy serves as a reminder that great cinema never grows old—it only becomes more precious with time.
It’s important to also reflect on how this recognition can inspire today’s filmmakers. In a world where fast-paced plots, remakes, and commercial pressure often dominate, Lagaan’s success story reminds creators that authentic stories rooted in culture can also be successful worldwide. The attention “Radha Kaise Na Jale” received from The Academy might inspire the next generation of Indian storytellers to stay true to their roots while dreaming big.
Notably, The Academy’s gesture also represents a shift in how Hollywood views Indian cinema. From being seen as an “outsider,” Indian films are now seen as valuable cultural narratives that deserve celebration. This is good news for the future of Indian entertainment on the world stage.
And fans are not the only ones celebrating. Many industry insiders also shared The Academy’s post on their profiles, expressing joy and pride. Several Bollywood stars, musicians, and directors reposted the clip, adding their own emotional memories of the film. It shows how one post sparked a wave of collective appreciation—across fans, artists, and generations.
The emotional energy around this moment was powerful. In a world full of fast-moving news and short trends, something as soulful as a classic song brought everyone together. That’s the magic of cinema. It connects, it heals, and it celebrates who we are.“Radha Kaise Na Jale” is more than a song. It’s a celebration of love, art, tradition, and timeless emotion. And by sharing it, The Academy reminded the world that India’s cinematic jewels continue to shine across borders.
