Ameesha Patel recently revealed that she was replaced in Ashutosh Gowariker’s film, ‘Lagaan‘ starring Aamir Khan. The film was nominated for Oscars.
Speaking to Bollywood Bubble, Ameesha discussed her involvement in various projects, including Lagaan, revealing that she was initially finalized for the film with dates and everything set. She explained that her role in Gadar was a perfect fit due to her education, sophistication, and background from a political family. She felt her character, Sakina, aligned with her own real-life background as an educated, English-speaking girl. After auditions with 500 other girls, she was ultimately chosen for the role in Gadar.
The actress explained that she was initially selected for Lagaan but was informed by her secretary, while shooting Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai in New Zealand, that the film’s dates were changed for Gadar. The reason given was that the makers didn’t feel she suited the role, as she appeared too educated and worldly for the character of a village girl. Ameesha mentioned that she was well-read, well-traveled, and had received a foreign education from a young age.
She added that the director may have felt her background would interfere with portraying the character authentically. However, she expressed no hard feelings, as Gracy Singh did an excellent job. Ameesha noted that both Gadar and Lagaan were released on the same day, and both achieved great success, making their mark in history.
