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Raj Zutshi, one of Bhuvan's team mates in the film Lagaan, commends Gracy: "She's a gem"

In the beginning of the schedule Gracy was a bit diffident and that's very understandable. But once the camera began rolling, she got into the groove; she was fantastic.

She came alive especially during the song and dance sequences which we shot very early on in the schedule. We began shooting Ghan ghan at the beginning of the schedule. It was then that we realised what a gem she was. She is an excellent dancer, a fantastic performer. Her ability to emote while dancing is fabulous.

Gracy is committed, does her homework and yet on screen she is so spontaneous. That is the sure sign of a good artiste. Only a good actor can appear spontaneous in front of the camera having done his homework.

We were very happy with Ashu's choice of heroine.We knew she was the perfect choice. She was very beleivable in the role of Gauri. She had the innocence, the vulnerability, the look and the simplicity of the rustic Indian maiden.

No wonder, she brought alive the character of Gauri. When Gauri supports Bhuvan, you know she's into the scene with all her heart and being. I always had this gut feeling that she would go places. I come from theatre and can spot tell a good actor when I spot one.

The entire team supported Gracy. When you like someone, that comes easy. And she could see it on our faces too. The camaradie on the sets was unbelievable.

We travelled together as a unit. There were no fancy cars to ferry us around. So, we all travelled by train and that helped us bond to a great extent. You can see that bonding, that warmth on screen. It looks like we were all born and brought up together in a village. Any newcomer would miss this camaradie because films like Lagaan happen once in a lifetime.

This story has been taken from rediff.com as it appeared on 20 January 2002.