"We call ourselves the Junior Lagaan XI. We’re going to dance to Chale Chalo, but we’ve had only two days of practice. I hope we don’t goof up," said young Farookh who was to play Bhuvan Jr.

The students weren’t the only ones thrilled.

Principal Jacob Thomas, Aamir's physics tutor in grade eight said, "Egmont (the publishing and marketing company) called me a fortnight ago and said that Aamir was keen to launch the book in our school. Though this isn’t Aamir's first school, I’m sure his first memories of school were formed at St Anne’s."