Ashmit Patel has focused his attentions on a period film after a string of uninspiring releases in the recent past. The movie The Flag has a bearded Ashmit going the 'Lagaan' way, attired in dhoti–kurta, in the interesting role of a villager.

While shooting for a start to finish schedule for the film directed by new director Sajiv Balath, near Bhuj recently, Ashmit had a narrow escape, almost.

Recalls the actor, "Me and my co -star, Mlind Soman were supposed to do this scene in a lake. Before canning the first shot, two assistants went near the lake to check camera positions. And imagine what they spotted there. It was an enormous crocodile of almost 10 feet and we were hurriedly asked to pull back. So we were literally saved from turning into croc food".

Obviously after the utter chaos, the scene couldn't be canned and it is the only scene in the film that remains as balance.

Ashmit obviously got lucky and is thanking his stars. "We were lucky. Now the lake scene might be shot in the outskirts of Mumbai, in a place like Karjat or we might go back there", he states. But importantly the water should be reptile free.

Barring this unforeseen event, the shoot of the film set in the 40s was blissful. "It is the story of a village Kanakpur in the 40s that was not exposed at all, they didn't even know about the white population. It's a real interesting story. For me, it was great start to finish schedule in Bhuj. We shot at a place 35 Kilometers from Bhuj in the Runn of Kutch.

For me, being disconnected from Mumbai in the midst of the beautiful landscape and harvest was a great experience. It was really very beautiful", says the actor who has films like Friends Forever, Kabhie Kahin and Toss lined up.

But looks like, amongst all these, The Flag would be closest to Ashmit's heart, considering the diverse experiences associated with it. Just hope the passion with which he shot for the film would pay off and it would be one memorable experience for the viewers too, when the film releases around Independence Day this year.
- Sneha Hazarika