Ameesha Patel He recently spoke about losing Lagaan, saying it’s a decision he respects rather than respects. Reflecting on the missed opportunity, she said there was no politics in the casting.“There was no politics involved. Ashutosh Gowariker was very honest. I felt that I was too straight and too educated for the role, my eyes couldn’t hide that,” he shared with Bollywood Bubble.The actor added that he was not bitter about the decision. “I didn’t take it wrong at all. I felt that he was doing justice to his project. The director is the captain of the ship, he has to be convinced.”
good Brilliant Ahuja : ‘All interactions were purely professional’
Speaking about her experience of working with Shiney Ahuja, Ameesha dismissed any discomfort on set despite the controversy surrounding it later.“No, never. In fact, I even had a song with him. Initially, Shiney was the romantic lead in the film opposite me. The back story was that my character was in love with him, but he ended up marrying Vidya. After that, I was paired with the couple. Akshay Kumar“, he explained.He also recalled adding his track to the film. “I also had a song, Sajna Sajna, which was added a week after the film’s release. But all my interactions with Shiney were work-related and completely professional.”
About Akshay Kumar’s process
Talking about her role in Bhool Bhulaiyaa, Ameesha said she had never seen Akshay Kumar using a teleprompter, despite the industry chatter.“I’ve had two experiences working with Akshay—Bhool Bhulaiyaa and Mere Jeevan Saathi. I’ve actually never seen him use a teleprompter on set. Maybe he does in some films—I don’t know—but I haven’t experienced that personally.”
‘Focus on merit’
The actor also weighed in on the functioning of the industry, calling for a shift to a merit-driven work culture.“Yes, that happens. But ideally, it wouldn’t. Jobs should be based on honesty, talent and merit, not utility or replaceability,” he said.Highlighting the importance of writing, he added: “Writing is the basis of a good film, but writers are the least paid. That must change. We must praise, encourage and pay writers well.”
Nepotism and industrial policy
Sharing her view on nepotism, Ameesha said the problem is not in choice but in meritless repetition.“The audience doesn’t mind being given options, but not consistently. That’s where the frustration comes from. Nepotism will help you get some films, but at the end of the day, you can’t win the audience’s love unless you prove your merits.”He also recognized the superiority of industrial policy. “Of course. We all have. Replacements happen all the time… Sometimes they’re fair, and sometimes they’re not. The two are mixed.”
