Ameesha Patel recently spoke about losing Lagaan, describing it as a decision she respected and did not resent. Reflecting on the missed opportunity, she said that there was no politics involved in the choice.“There was no political connection. Ashutosh Gowariker was very honest. He felt that I looked too fair and too cultured for this role – and my eyes couldn’t hide that,” she shared with Bollywood Bubble.The actress added that she has no bitterness about the decision. “I didn’t handle it badly at all. I felt he was doing justice to his project. The director is the captain of the ship – he has to be convinced.”
on Shiney Ahuja : ‘All interactions were purely professional’
Speaking about her experience working with Shiney Ahuja, Ameesha refused any disturbance on the sets despite the controversy that later surrounded it.“No, never. In fact, I had a song with him. Initially, Shiney was the romantic lead opposite me in the film. The backstory is that my character was in love with him, but he ended up marrying Vidya. After that, I was paired with Akshay Kumar.”She also remembered adding her track in 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 purely business-related and completely professional.”
In the process of Akshay Kumar
Speaking about her role in Bhool Bhulaiyaa, Ameesha said she had never witnessed Akshay Kumar using a teleprompter, despite industry chatter.“I’ve had two experiences working with Akshay – Bhole Bhulia and Meri Jeevan Sathe. Honestly, I’ve never seen him use a teleprompter on the sets. Maybe he does it in some films – I don’t know – but I haven’t experienced it personally.”
He watches
Amisha Patel felt betrayed
“Focus on merit”
The actress also spoke about the performance of the industry, calling for a shift towards a merit-based work culture.“Yes, this does happen,” she said. “But ideally, it shouldn’t happen. Work should be based on honesty, talent and merit – not availability or substitutability.”Highlighting the importance of writing, she added: “Writing is the foundation of a good film, but writers are the least paid. This needs to change. We need to celebrate writers, encourage them, and pay them well.”
On nepotism and industry politics
Sharing her view on nepotism, Amisha said that the issue is not opportunities, but repetition in vain.“Audiences don’t mind giving chances – but not endlessly. That’s where the frustration comes from. Nepotism may help you get a few films, but in the end, you won’t be able to win the love of the audience unless you prove yourself on merit.”It also acknowledged the prevalence of industry politics. “Of course. We all have them. Substitutions happen all the time… Sometimes they’re fair, sometimes they’re not. It’s a combination of both.”
