Ameesha Patel has recently spoken about losing out on Lagaan, calling it a decision she respected rather than resented. Reflecting on the missed opportunity, she said there was no politics involved in the casting.“There was no politics involved. Ashutosh Gowariker was very honest. He felt I looked too fair and too educated for the role—my eyes couldn’t hide that,” she shared with Bollywood Bubble.The actress added that she had no bitterness about the decision. “I didn’t take it badly at all. I felt he was doing justice to his project. A director is the captain of the ship—he needs to be convinced.”
On Shiney Ahuja: ‘All interactions were purely professional’
Addressing her experience of working with Shiney Ahuja, Ameesha dismissed any discomfort on set despite the controversies surrounding him later.“No, never. In fact, I even had a song with him. Initially, Shiney was the romantic lead opposite me in the film. The backstory was that my character was in love with him, but he ends up marrying Vidya. After that, I was paired with Akshay Kumar,” she explained.She also recalled the addition of 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 work-related and completely professional.”
On Akshay Kumar’s process
Talking about her role in Bhool Bhulaiyaa, Ameesha said she has never witnessed Akshay Kumar using a teleprompter, despite industry chatter.“I’ve had two experiences working with Akshay—Bhool Bhulaiyaa and Mere Jeevan Saathi. Honestly, I have never seen him use a teleprompter on set. Maybe he does it in some films—I don’t know—but I have not experienced that personally.”
‘Focus on merit’
The actress also weighed in on the functioning of the industry, calling for a shift towards merit-driven work culture.“Yes, that does happen. But ideally, it shouldn’t. Work should be based on honesty, talent, and merit—not on availability or replaceability,” she said.Highlighting the importance of writing, she added, “Writing is the foundation of a good film, but writers are the least paid. That needs to change. We need to celebrate writers, encourage them, and pay them well.”
On nepotism and industry politics
Sharing her take on nepotism, Ameesha said the issue lies not in opportunity, but in repetition without merit.“The audience doesn’t mind giving chances—but not endlessly. That’s where the frustration comes from. Nepotism might help you get a few films, but ultimately, you can’t win audience love unless you prove yourself on merit.”She also acknowledged the prevalence of industry politics. “Of course. We all have. Replacements happen all the time… Sometimes they are fair, and sometimes they aren’t. It’s a mix of both.”