Ameesha Patel, working with Shiney Ahuja on Aamir Khan’s Lagaan loss, addresses claims of Akshay Kumar using teleprompter. hindi movie news
Ameesha Patel Recently spoke about losing to Lagaan and called it a decision which she respects rather than being angry with. Reflecting on the missed opportunity, he said that 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 it,” she shared with Bollywood Bubble.The actress said that there is no bitterness in her mind regarding the decision. “I didn’t mind it at all. I thought he was doing justice to his project. A director is the captain of the ship – he needs to be reassured.”
But shiney ahuja :’All interactions were completely professional’
Addressing her experience of working with Shiney Ahuja, Ameesha dismissed any discomfort on the sets despite the controversies associated with the latter.“No, never. In fact, I even sang a song with her. Initially, Shiney was the romantic lead opposite me in the film. The backstory was that my character was in love with her, but he got married to Vidya. After that, I was paired with her Akshay Kumar“she explained.He also recalled adding his track to the film. “I also had a song, Sajna Sajna, which was added a week after the release of the film. But all my conversations with Shiney were completely work-related and completely professional.”
On Akshay Kumar’s process
Talking about her role in Bhool Bhulaiyaa, Ameesha said that despite the buzz in the industry, she has never seen Akshay Kumar using a teleprompter.“I have two experiences working with Akshay – Bhool Bhulaiyaa and Mere Jeevan Saathi. To be honest, I have never seen him use a teleprompter on the sets. Maybe he does in some films – I don’t know – but I have not experienced that personally.”
‘Focus on merit’
The actress also highlighted the functioning of the industry and called for a shift towards a merit-driven work culture.“Yes, it happens. But ideally, it should not happen. Work should be based on integrity, talent and merit – not on availability or replaceability,” he said.Highlighting the importance of writing he said, “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 opinion on nepotism, Ameesha said that the issue is not in opportunity, but in repetition without merit.“There’s no objection to giving chances to the audience – but not endlessly. That’s where the frustrations arise. Nepotism may help you get a few films, but ultimately, you can’t win the audience’s love unless you prove yourself on merit.”He also acknowledged the pervasiveness of industrial politics. “Of course. We all have. Substitutions happen all the time… sometimes they’re fair, and sometimes they’re not. It’s a mixture of both.”