Director Anil Sharma has revealed that actors Kajol and Aishwarya Rai were among the actresses approached for Gadar: Ek Prem Katha before newcomer Ameesha Patel was eventually cast as Sakina. The filmmaker also explained why several established actresses chose not to be a part of the film and how Ameesha’s dedication made her the perfect choice.Speaking to Shubhankar Mishra, Sharma dismissed the belief that Kajol was the first and only choice for the film.
‘We spoke to Kajol and Aishwarya Rai’
Asked whether Kajol was originally supposed to star opposite Sunny Deol, Sharma said, “Not exactly. There has been a theory that Kajol was going to do Gadar. We did speak to Kajol. We also spoke to Aishwarya Rai. In fact, discussions were happening with many actresses.”He added that several actors and actresses heard the script but were hesitant to come on board.“Many people heard the story, but they didn’t understand it. Some didn’t want to work with me, some didn’t want to work with Sunny Deol, and some simply didn’t want to do a period film.”
‘People wanted glamorous overseas films’
Explaining the mindset of the industry in the late 1990s, Sharma said films set abroad were dominating Bollywood.“In 1998, everyone wanted glamorous films shot in Switzerland or London. The overseas market had become very important. Since Gadar revolved around India and Pakistan, many people were hesitant. Period films weren’t considered commercially attractive at the time. Everyone wanted glamour and glossy romantic films. That’s why many artists, including actresses, refused the film.”
Why Anil Sharma chose Amrish Puri over a big heroine
The filmmaker revealed that budget constraints also influenced the casting process.“Zee told me, ‘Sunny Deol is already on board. We have only a fixed budget. Within that amount, you can either cast Amrish Puri or a big heroine.’”Sharma said his decision was immediate.“I said, ‘I’ll choose Amrish Puri because Pakistan is Amrish Puri in this film. The heroine can be a young newcomer. The role is so strong that whoever plays it will become a star.’”Following that decision, the team auditioned nearly 400–500 aspiring actresses before shortlisting 12 finalists.“Ameesha Patel was among those 12 girls. At that time, Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai hadn’t released yet. Its shooting had just begun.”
‘People still call her Sakina’
Sharma was all praise for Ameesha Patel’s commitment to the role, saying her dedication remains unmatched.“Ameesha worked incredibly hard. She was one of the most dedicated actresses I’ve worked with. For six months, she came to meet me every weekday from 2 pm to 5 pm to prepare for the role.”He added, “She completely transformed herself into Sakina. It was because of her hard work that, even today, people don’t call her Ameesha Patel—they call her Sakina.”
‘An actor doesn’t control everything’
Reflecting on Ameesha’s career after Gadar and Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai, Sharma said success in the film industry depends on a combination of talent, circumstances and luck.“Nobody knows what turn life will take. Sometimes it’s because of your own mistakes, sometimes because of circumstances, and sometimes simply because of destiny.”He also pointed out that actors have limited control over how a film ultimately shapes up.“We identify films by actors, just as we identify songs by singers. But the truth is that neither has complete control. If a director chooses a bad take during editing or makes the film poorly, what can the actor do? The actor can only give the best performance possible.”Praising Ameesha once again, Sharma concluded, “Getting Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai and Gadar was destiny. Those films were extraordinary. What Ameesha did was justify that faith through hard work. Both those films will always have a place in the history of Indian cinema.”
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