Ameesha's Interview in Punjab Kesari (Hindi) Paper

किसी सीन से परहेज नहीं :अमिषा पटेल

 

मुंबई : अक्सर बॉलीवुड की चकाचौंध में ऐसे सितारे देखने को मिल ही जाते हैं जिनकी शुरूआत तो सुपरहिट तरीके से होती है लेकिन वह इस सफलता को अधिक समय तक जारी नहीं रख पाते। ऐसे ही सितारों में से एक हैं अमिषा पटेल। एक समय ऐसा था जब अमिषा पटेल के पास फिल्मों की लाइन लगी होती थी लेकिन आज अमिषा एक अदद फिल्म को भी तरसती हैं। हालांकि एक लंबे अंतराल के बाद एक बार फिर वह सन्नी देओल के साथ फिल्म कर रही हैं लेकिन उनके करियर की हालत यह है कि वह आज खुद ही फिल्में बनाती हैं और खुद ही उसमें अभिनय भी करती हैं। पेश हैं अमिषा से हुई बातचीत के प्रमुख अंश—
कहा जाता है कि फिल्में न मिलने के कारण ही आपने फिल्म प्रोड्यूस करने का निर्णय लिया?
—लोगों के मन में जो आता है, कह देते हैं। आप किस-किस का मुंह बंद कर सकते हैं! यही वजह है कि मैं ऐसी किसी बात का जवाब नहीं देती और केवल अपने काम से ताल्लुक रखती हूं।
आपके प्रोडक्शन हाऊस की फिल्म ‘देसी मैजिक’ की क्या प्रोगै्रस है?
—बहुत अच्छी। शूटिंग तेजी से चल रही है। इस फिल्म में आपको वे सारे मसाले मिलेंगे जो आज की फिल्म की कामयाबी के लिए जरूरी माने जाते हैं। मुझे यकीन है कि मेरी फिल्म देखकर लोगों को अच्छा लगेगा और फिल्म से उन्हें कोई शिकायत नहीं होगी। इस फिल्म में बहुत सारे ट्विस्ट होंगे, जो उन्हें बेहद रोमांचक स्तर पर ले जाएंगे। खास बात यह है कि ‘देसी मैजिक’ में कामुकता का तड़का भी होगा। इस फिल्म के लिए मैंने अपना रात-दिन एक कर दिया है।

एक तरफ अपनी फिल्म में अंतरंग दृश्यों का तड़का लगाती हैं तो दूसरी ओर ‘शॉर्टकट रोमियो’ में इंटीमेट सीन पर बवाल खड़ा करती हैं। ऐसा क्यों?
— ‘शॉर्टकट रोमियो’ में मैंने काफी बोल्ड किरदार निभाया था लेकिन उसमें कुछ ऐसे सीन ऐसे भी थे जो आम लोगों की नजर में अश्लील हो सकते थे। मैंने केवल उन्हीं दृश्यों पर आपत्ति जताई थी। मुझे किसी भी सीन से परहेज नहीं है, बशर्ते वे अश्लील न हों। ‘देसी मैजिक’ में आपको कामुकता तो दिखेगी लेकिन वह अश्लील या उत्तेजक कतई नहीं होगी।
‘भैया जी सुपरहिट’ के बारे में क्या कहेंगी?
—यह एक एक्शन कॉमेडी फिल्म है जिसमें पहली बार सन्नी देओल डबल रोल में नजर आएंगे जबकि मेरा किरदार उनकी प्रेमिका का है। इस फिल्म की शूटिंग लगभग कंप्लीट हो चुकी है। ‘गदर’ के काफी समय बाद सन्नी के साथ मुझे इस फिल्म में दोबारा काम करने का मौका मिला है।
क्या ‘बिग बॉस 7′ के लिए आपसे भी संपर्क किया गया था?
—हां, लेकिन मेरी ऐसी किसी रियलिटी शो में कोई रुचि नहीं है, सो मैंने ऑफर ठुकरा दिया। दरअसल इस संबंध में मेरा मानना है कि जिनके पास काम नहीं होता और खाली समय होता है, वही ‘बिग बॉस’ जैसे रियलिटी शो में जाते हैं, जबकि मेरे पास किसी रियलिटी शो के लिए फालतू समय नहीं है। मैं अभी अपनी फिल्म के निर्माण में काफी व्यस्त हूं और अगर कभी खाली भी हुई तो भी किसी रियलिटी शो का हिस्सा नहीं बनूंगी क्योंकि मुझे प्राइवेसी पसंद है।

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Old unread Interview of Ameesha

Amisha Patel & Asha Patel Interview

By Kavita Chhibber

Petite and pretty Amisha Patel is as unfilmi as they come. The grand daughter of famous lawyer Rajni Patel, Amisha aced her way through academics winning a gold medal in economics at Tufts university before the acting bug bit and she catapulted to fame with the huge blockbuster Kaho na Pyar Hai with Hritik Roshan.
While there were whispers that it was Hritik who was the showstopper in the film, and Amisha rested on his laurels, she silenced critics by her mind-blowing performance as Sakina in Gadar: Ek Prem Katha. Not only did she look breathtakingly beautiful sans makeup, she carried the very tough role with grace, dignity and sensitivity. The movie ruffled political and religious feathers but went on to become one of the biggest hits in Bollywood cinema.

Amisha’s mother Asha Patel could probably herself give quite a few bollywood actresses a run for their money. Born and raised in London, the only sister among five brothers, Asha is perhaps even more beautiful and doesn’t look like a mother of two kids in their twenties.

Asha Patel says she grew up in an elite pampered atmosphere abroad and met her husband as a teenager while visiting India. For him it was love at first sight, but Asha laughs and says as a Sindhi Punjabi she was not sure that she would fit into a Gujarati family. Today not only has she made a success of a marriage she ventured into at 19, she is with and behind Amisha, every step of the way to help her fulfill her creative potential. In an exclusive with Little India, both mother and daughter talk about what it takes to make it work in a world that is so alien to what they grew up in.

Academics to Acting-quite a switch from being cerebral to being on celluloid! How did that happen?
Asha: Yes Amisha was always an honors student throughout and then went to Tufts University to study bio-genetics, but later switched in her 3rd year to economics. Bio-genetics did not really have much scope in those years in India. Even before she left, Rakesh Roshan who is a family friend, had been telling my husband “let me launch your daughter.” Feroz Khan’s daughter Leila also used to call me and say Asha can you get Amisha back so we can launch her with my brother Fardeen in his debut film. I said, No way, let her graduate. Besides, I do not think she belongs in the film industry. Little was I to know!

Amisha: Yes, I was always academically inclined, but I had learnt bharatnatyam, acted in and choreographed plays while in school. I was also very fascinated by biology and genetics, DNA, chromosome decoding etc and decided to study biogenetics at Tufts. I did realize midway that not only would this require years of studying and then research, there was also no future in India and that coming from a family which had academics and business as its background, majoring in economics was a better choice.
I was very pleasantly surprised by the education system here. In India, all you are taught to do is mug, mug, and mug and spit it all out on the day of the exam. Here they teach you to think for yourself, bring new thoughts, new ideas to the table, even if it goes against what they have been teaching. Subhash Chandra Bose’s grand son was my professor in a lot of my political and international relations classes and as a result I had a first hand information to the freedom struggle and how when Subash Chandra Bose and his colleagues escaped he was a young lad driving the getaway vehicle. I had not learnt about India and India’s freedom struggle in India, the way he taught me at Tufts.
Being exposed to such a multi cultural environment was so mentally and intellectually stimulating; it really helped me grow in so many different ways. I learnt so much about other cultures and in turn taught them about Indian culture.

Asha: Amisha would bring people to India, including her old professor to give them a first hand view of her country. She is very passionate about India and never ever thought about settling down here.

What myths did you shatter about India and Indians?
Amisha: It was interesting that people thought I was from an Indian tribe and asked how I came to USA. I told them it was on a flying carpet and some of them swallowed that. To others I said I rowed all the way by myself in a boat and they swallowed that as well. They would say things like, do you really have toilet paper? Don’t you just dig holes and cover it up afterwards?
I once took an America friend to India and we were waiting at Delhi airport to catch a connecting flight to Bombay, when she said oh is the Bangkok Palace here? I said no it is in Bangkok, which is in Thailand. Some of them even thought Texas was a nomadic land. When they have such little knowledge about their own states, I should not have been surprised by their ignorance about India.
I started various religious and cultural festivities like Holi and Diwali. I taught Bharatnatyam, Hindi to some foreign students and at the end of it made them watch Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge and they could actually comprehend a lot of it. I also stopped at various points to explain what certain rituals meant in the film.
I also took back a model based on Indian architecture back to USA depicting a mosque, a temple, and India’s caste system, and among three papers, I had to submit on religion I went and asked my professor if I could present one of them in dance form.
I am a big fan of Jagjit Singh and there is a ghazal titled “Sar Jhukaoge toh pathar devta ho jayega( If you lower your head in prayer, stone will turn into God) and I choreographed, translated each line and danced to the song. Not only did I get a straight A, my professor invited me frequently as a guest lecturer to perform the same dance. I was so happy to be able to share that aspect of my culture with others.

So after such a brilliant academic career, you returned to India, and worked in a firm and with your father. Was the acting bug simmering underneath?
Asha: It was Subash Chandra’s Bose’s grandson who saw one of her dance performances and said what are you doing in academics? You should go home and give Madhuri Dixit a run for her money? Amisha would also perform for Jagjit Singh during his concerts in the USA, before 4-5000 people. He is so fond of her and every time his new CD comes out the first copy is always autographed and sent to her. She was so passionate about her dance, the plays she put up that I told my husband I wouldn’t be surprised if she returns from USA and tells you she wants to be in films. He was aghast and said you are crazy, to even think like that. She is such a brilliant girl. How can she ever think of being in films?
Amisha: It is true that my professor told me to get into films , but I never took it seriously. I knew I would have to get back and do something academically or intellectually oriented, but at a subconscious level, I knew I liked the creativity, the performing arts, the lime light and being on stage.When I did tell my folks all hell broke loose!

Asha: It was tough, even my son who was at UTA studying business and finance, called and said how you could even think of letting her act in films. Amisha said mom it will be only one film. I guess moms usually give in first and I did too. Since Rakesh Roshan and his wife were close friends I felt very comfortable. Amisha even stayed at their house often while shooting for the film. When I did finally see her on screen the first time, I was in tears and I still tear up. Of course, now my son is also going to act in films and when I reminded him of his comments to
Amisha, he said nonchalantly, oh, I am a guy!I can do whatever I want!!

Amisha: Dad is very conservative to this day. He had a hard time with the scene where I roll in the hay with Sunny. He hates to see me in anything but saris and salwar kameez. As a child if I wore a skirt and a halter-top, he would get a scissor and cut the clothes to shreds! But I think he is a little more chilled out now!

I know you signed Gadar before Kaho Na Pyar Hai. The latter, and all the other films you have done so far, must have been a cake walk compared to Gadar. You had quite a tough role, that of a Muslim girl, from an elite family, cocooned, mollycoddled and protected who falls in love with a much older, uneducated Jat. It was also set against the backdrop of the freedom movemen, the Hindu Muslim, riots, the India Pakistani sentiments. How did you prepare for Gadar?
Amisha: I took my discipline of education and knowledge to it. I read up a lot on Islam, read parts of the Koran, went to a mosque to see how they prayed. All the scenes were tough. I had to play a young woman who had all the grace and softness that Muslim girls have. If you read the body language, you will notice that Muslim girls are softer and not loud or bold like North Indian girls can be. Yet I had to show that underlying steel that I was made of, to enable me to defy my father, and yet not be offensive. I had also to play a mother. In fact on the first day of the shooting we started with this very tough scene where Sakina, the character I play, discovers it is her father who has tampered with her husband’s visa. Sakina was a strong character who fought against an entire nation to preserve her love at a time when even marrying outside your community was a no, no. I was so obsessed with the character that Sakina became Amisha, Amisha became Sakina, and I could not tell them apart. There was a scene when after the riots I see my father’s watch and realize he is dead, I run out of the railway station crying. I was so into the character that once I started crying I couldn’t stop — two hours later I was still sobbing hysterically, the shooting came to a halt, and they had to keep giving me glucose and try to calm me down. For most of the emotional scenes, I didn’t use glycerin, the tears came naturally.
Even after Gadar got over, I was still talking like Sakina on other sets! “Humen ye de dijiye-and they would correct me and say “ the dialogue says-mujhe and not humen!”

Were you surprised at the political and religious furor over the film?
Amisha: I was expecting it. People just need anything to talk about. There was nothing in the film to affect the religious sentiments. It was about the fight of a couple in love against an entire country that frowned upon that love. It was evident that all Sunny Deol wants is to be united with his wife. He never raises his hand on her father; in a usual Sunny film he would have thrashed the daylights out of the villain whoever it may have been. For a sardar whose entire family was brutally wiped out by the Muslims, to not raise his hands is to show that love conquers all hatred.
I think frankly that you could read whatever you want to read into the film. Is it a story about love for your family, love for your country, a revolution. Eventually what seems to have touched the hearts of most people was the love story. Ironically, because a few people who were a case of sour grapes raved and ranted, it helped Gadar become the greatest hit in Bollywood, surpassing Lagaan and others, so I’m very grateful to all those people who whined!

So what is next on the cards?
Amisha: I am really excited about Zameer with Ajay Devgun. It’s about a spoilt motherless girl who falls in love with her college professor, and can’t take rejection. She creates some very negative situations as a result and ends up finally understanding and making a huge sacrifice. It is a wonderful role that has given me a wide scope to act. While I have really not learnt much from my directors I have learnt a lot about acting and life from the characters I have played and my costars, and through surviving in this industry.

What has surprised you as you look back?
Asha: That this is such a cutthroat place. We are not a filmy family. To this day, we have no idea how to promote Amisha. I have never had free trial shows of her films for my friends, like others. They think I’m stupid because I buy tickets and take them to see the movie in theaters. Even for these stage shows, I have gone to the box office and purchased tickets for my friends and relatives. I just cannot go and ask people for favors. I think she is still here because she works very very hard, is very conscientious and sincere. She has given two major hits in the south along with Kaho Na Pyaar Hai and Gadar.and it is because she is so conscientious and gives her best. Even in school till she graduated she had 100 percent attendance.

Amisha: Yes, I was really stunned that there is so much hypocrisy, manipulation and double standards. I came into this industry with grand notions of creative cinema, fulfilling my potential as an actress and dancer. I realized very soon that at the end of the day it is just cutthroat business. A lot of time, the casting is done more out of network, or if the hero likes you or someone is having an affair. I have seen people walk away with films others deserved to be in or had been promised because of manipulations. I have survived because mom taught me there is a code of conduct one must always follow. She has said do your work with dignity and ethically. Morality and self-respect are things that money can’t buy. So I guess I am still living in Disneyland, but I think I am doing just fine.

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zoOmit with Ameesha Patel Interview

Here posting the Rapid fire Answers to Questions asked 
Neil--Handsome 
Shopping--Love it 
Chocolates--Noooo 
Shortcut--Super 
Stardom--HardWork 
Love--Everything 
Films--my Passion 
DesiMagic--Super Super Passion 
Vacation--recquired right Now
Twitter--FaaaB

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Ameesha's ChitChat Show on Zoom tv n UtvStars (Videos)

Ameesha Patel sits with UTV's Garima and ZoOmTv's Madhureeta  to talk more about her Bollywood film with Neil Nitin Mukesh, Shortcut Romeo. Ameesha Patel also talks about her struggle and the things she learnt in her time working in Bollywood,watch the Videos here

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If I play a bitch, I better look like one: Ameesha Patel

Ameesha Patel recently launched her maiden production 'Desi Magic'. The actress-turned-producer essays a double role in the film which has Zayed Khan and model Sahil Shroff in the cast. She talks about the film and her character...

How does it feel being launched as an actress with Hrithik Roshan when he was 26 and today you are being paired with top model Sahil Shroff in your maiden home production who is also a youngster himself?
All I can say is that Sahil is a great-looking guy with amazing talent. People will love our pairing. Our chemistry on screen will shock them

Ameesha Patel as Sonia

Ameesha Patel as Mahie

How difficult is it playing a double role?
It is a big challenge playing a double role specially when both the characters -- Sonia and Mahie -- are extremely opposite to each other and have no relationship in the film.

We hear you are playing a character with grey shades in the film?
Not exactly with grey shades but I am playing someone who’s far faster in her ways of living life. You will see me play dirty like no one has ever played before and for that my look has to be hated by some and loved by all. At the end of the day when you are playing dirty you better look and act dirty.

What about your other character in the film where you will be playing a Punjabi girl?
Yes, this is the first time I will actually be playing a girl born and brought up in Punjab with a big Punjabi family around. My character will be loved since it will attract all family audiences and will be adored by zillions, God willing

Your look at the launch created quite a sensation?
Really it did? Wow, I am happy if it did. It means me looking dirty and wild actually worked in my character’s favour.

Is the film a dirty picture of the western world?
No no... the film is a family entertainer where we have family values, friends and lovers everyone basically... it’s
an entertainer for the masses and of course the youth will love it.

How is it working with Zayed Khan and Sahil Shroff?
Well what can I say? Two hot young boys next to me which girl wouldn’t like but enjoy the experience!

  You have already worked with Zayed before? How does it feel to work with him again?
Zayed has always been family to me and we have known each other since years. I have loved working with him in the past and I know this role will take his career to another level. He’s not only a good-looking boy but also a boy who needed a role that justifies his looks and talent and I’m sure this will.  

What about the song Ek Do Teen -- it looks as if you have all the masala in this film?
Yes, we are very excited about the song and in no way can I compare myself to the great Madhuriji but even if I perform 20 per cent of what she did I will feel relieved.

Your production house is launching DJ Aqeel for the first time as a music director?
Yes, it was my business partner Kuunal Goomer’s idea, which has worked so much in our favour. The way his music will shock and rock the world is to be seen. We are so happy to have him and yes his music will make Desi Magic a blockbuster for sure.

Your supporting cast is also very interesting -- from Randhir Kapoor to Lilette Dubey to Ravi Kishen to Rajat Rawail?
Yes, touchwood we are very happy with all the characters as they are such fine actors and their roles are very fresh and new for them as well. Randhirji will play my tycoon father while Lilette will play my mother and of course Ravi will play a stylish villain for the first time and last but not the least Rajat will play a character which will be loved by everyone -- both kids and grown ups.

 How is Kuunal involved in this film other then being a producer?
Kuunal is the reason why Desi Magic has turned out to be what it is! It’s his dream project and he will go all out to show the world what he has in his creative mind. His vision is totally new and he thinks from the point of youngsters to family members to the masses. His vision is to make an out-and-out grand scale entertainer.
How is it working with a new director like Mehul Atha?
Mehul is a wonderful and talented ad filmmaker who has made over 300 ads. He also has the knack of making a Bollywood masala flick with great emotions. He has understood the script like no one else and we are sure he will make a mark of his own.

Director Sanjay Gadhvi is the a script doctor in your film? How did that happen?
Sanjay is my friend and always will be. He has been very kind to help us. With his talent and views in correcting our script besides giving ideas has helped us immensely. He has taken Desi Magic to where it has reached today and we will always be grateful to him!
Why haven’t you been linked with any other actor in the industry?
Well, what can I say? What hasn’t happened in real life will happen with Sonia’s character in Desi Magic on screen.  

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Ameesha Zooming in with Omar Quereshi special Interview

This interview was telecasted on 24th December at 10p.m on ZoOmtv channel
 

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Ameesha Patel Zoom Tv STAR CHITCHAT

This program is actually telecasted on 29th December at 9.30 p.m in ZoomTv channel

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Ameesha Exclusive Race2 Interview

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Ameesha Patel With Komal Nahta

Ameesha Patel talks about Race 2, about the film industry and how she had to make her mark with no family backing like Kareena Kapoor or Abhishek Bachchan

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Ameesha Patel's Filmfare interview

hit the spotlight again, become a head turning fashionista. Your upcoming films are being talked about too. Does it feel good to be back in the spotlight?
I had to take a break to set up my production company. Managing a production house is a different ballgame. It’s not like signing a film and arriving on the set. The production company with my business partner Kuunal Goomer is my baby. I knew I had age, looks and talent on my side. hese attributes would stay with me for some time. But the time that it would take to set up this business would not. So I broke away from my existing life to create a new one.

People are surprised that you have more than five films lined up, apart from the two that you’re producing yourself.
Having signed new films with other banners makes me feel complete. I don’t think I could have asked God for anything more. I’m fortunate that I have a business partner like Kuunal who also happens to be my best friend since the past 10 years. His presence in the office allows me to be the actress outside. He takes care of all the nitty-gritty. I’m relieved of the burden of a 1000 things that a producer needs to look into. It’s like I’m having the best of both worlds. 

Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic didn’t work and Chatur Singh Two Star earned abysmal reviews. Were you disappointed at the failures of your last two films?
I’m not ashamed of any work I do. You can’t decide a film’s fate before its release. There’s no surety that your new films will be better or worse than your previous ones. You can only hope to surpass your efforts. None of us here are soothsayers or astrologers to predict what will happen because we do not have the mathematics in place. I’m proud of all my work because there’s a little heart and soul of Ameesha in all of them.

How did you react when Vikram Bhatt made several references to you and your past relationship during the release of Raaz 3D?
My reaction was good luck to him. I hoped Raaz 3D would do well. I spoke well of him when newspapers asked me about it being my story. You see, a lot of blood and sweat goes into a film. You don’t want any film to not do well. Vikram’s a lovely person. I am happy it worked out for him.

There were reports that you planned to buy an IPL team.
We were considering buying an IPL team. But Kuunal explained it wasn’t the most suitable situation in my career. For a Shah Rukh Khan to devote 150 days from his yearly calendar to the management and telecast of the IPL is okay because he’s a settled superstar. But for me to work on five movies and then be able to divert 150 days to cricket wouldn’t be the most conducive situation. 

Any hard feelings after the spat between Sanjay Dutt and you?
Sanju is a gem of a person. He’s someone I’ll always call family. He’s always helpful when you’re in need. He’s a totally reliable guy. 

How was the experience of working with Abbas-Mustan in Race 2 after a gap of 10 years?
When Abbas bhai, Mustan bhai and Hussain bhai saw me they gave a sweet compliment. They said, ‘Ameesha, abhi bhi Race se close-up nikalo aur Humraaz mein dalo toh chal sakta hai. We can use Race 2 footage for the Humraaz patch work. You look younger and prettier now.’ Working with someone after 10 years and getting such a compliment is special for any girl. They’ve presented me beautifully in the film.

What’ll be the most exotic part of Race 2? The locations or the women?
The locations, Cyprus and Turkey, have mystique but they’ve been around for thousands of years. The women (Deepika Padukone, Bipasha Basu, Ameesha and Jacqueline Fernandes) are hot and happening. Get a ticket and a visa and you can visit Istanbul. But a ticket and visa won’t allow you to come to Ameesha Patel. 

So what’s on producer Ameesha Patel’s 2013 calendar?
We have a wonderful film lined up early next year called Desi Magic. It showcases me in a double role for the first time. This movie has offered me the most challenging role of my career so far. It’s weird I chose to do my toughest film with my own production house. What this role offers has rarely been done by any other actress on the Indian screen. I have bold scenes, I don’t mean sexual but there is a gamut of scenes that no other actress has attempted before. We have a great team working on the film. Sanjay Gadhvi is working on the screenplay; we have Amit Mehta who’s previously written Don 2, we have Mehul Ata (director) who is a prominent ad film director.

Would Ameesha Patel do item numbers?
Though it isn’t an item number, we’re going to be remaking the song Ek do teen from Tezaab in Desi Magic. I grew up idolising Madhuri Dixit, though I wasn’t a Hindi film buff. I had an academic upbringing and movies were a rarity. I looked up to Madhuri because I loved dancing and she’s a fantastic dancer. I don’t think I’ll ever match up to her, because she’s a Goddess. But I will do it differently and bring Ameesha-ness into it.

You’re doing two films with Sunny Deol, Bhaiyyaji Superhit and Singh Saheb The Great. Is he a lucky co-star considering that you two had your biggest hit in Gadar?
He is just lucky full stop. Regardless of whether the film bombs or is a hit, he’s an amazing person to work with. For me the Deols will always be lucky. Sunny’s respectful towards women. He’s unbelievably shy. You can’t believe that such a big star talks to you with his eyes lowered. His innocence is his most endearing quality. I hope I can do at least one film a year with him.

You’d once said actresses cannot be friends. Do you still believe so?
It’s true. Why should I be a hypocrite and say ‘oh they’re my best friends’. We’re all vying for the same roles. We’re all bitching behind each other’s backs. I wouldn’t say we can’t get along though. I am here to be a professional on the set. When I don’t make friends with the heroes, why would I want to make friends with the heroines? I don’t make friends with anyone. They’re my social acquaintances. I’ve worked in many two heroine projects and I got along fine. I love Rani Mukerji. I wanted Aiyyaa to do well; I was practically doing publicity for her film. Preity Zinta and I get along famously. We’re working together in Bhaiyyaji Superhit. Actors hardly get time to spare for family and friends. I never bring my work home. I don’t read film publications. I prefer to read The Times of India or The Economic Times. I follow Wall Street Journal on Twitter. I don’t want to become one dimensional. I don’t want to see what’s being played up on news channels. I have no interest in headlines like Saif aur Kareena ne kiya nikah. I read books in my spare time. The next book I start reading is 50 Shades Of Grey. 

So do you read Filmfare?
I do occasionally. I particularly like to see the pictures. I like to see who’s hotter than me if that’s possible. (Laughs)

To see Magazine Scan pics pls click this link http://ameesha-the-angel.blogspot.in/2012/11/ameesha-im-hottest-fiilmfare-magz-scans.html

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Ameesha--I'm the Hottest Filmfare Magz Scans

These are the 3 pages Interview Scanned Exclusively for You guys from latest edition of FilmFare Magazine.Hope You likes it

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Ameesha on Cover Page of FILMFARE Nov Edition

Don't forget to grab a copy of the latest issue of Filmfare! It features the one n only Ameesha on the cover along with a 3 page interview.The Interview will be posted in comming days ,just watch out this space n in mean time read the Interview featured in Sakshi Telugu Newspaper only if you can read Telugu 

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Sunglasses look good on me : Ameesha's Interview

Ameesha Patel talks about the special qualities she brings to a brand,Sanjay Dutt and equation with Kunal Goomer Vickey Lalwani and Prachi Kadam mirrorfeedback@indiatimes.com

Suddenly we see you in hoardings and newspaper advertisements all over.What sunglasses are these that you are promoting
An unexploited territory! (smiles) People have been foolish not to have me as a brand ambassador so far.Shah Rukh Khan,Katrina Kaif and many others look amazing in what they are doing but there is also an Ameesha who has certain qualities,which she brings to a brand that others cannot.

Such as

People have often complimented me on my flawless skin and lovely hair.Glamstar had the guts to come to me.Perhaps they had seen me wearing different sunglasses and they look good on me.I knew they would go all out with the propaganda.(pauses)

Go on

You need to pump in a lot of money if you really want a brand to register.It wouldnt have happened if I were the brand ambassador for a soap.

But where are these glares available People hardly find them only a shop in Bandra had a few pairs

Soon they would be available in malls and bigger stores.They will take time to break into every shop.

Some say that these sunglasses don't exist

Itna paisa kisike paas nahin ki pagal jaise bahata jaye.Try to understand.There are few exclusive outlets right now.After gauging the response,the availability will be increased.Our target audience is school and college kids.Glamstar is a New Delhi based company.

There are rumours about Kunal Goomer funding these ads.And also about a friend in Pune

That friend in Pune is dead.She was my granny.Gosh how many people are funding me I should be buying buildings then.Did Katrina fund Boom Did Deepika fund Om Shanti Om Did Dr Nene fund Madhuris return People are more interested in my personal life.And what is this 100 cr club If Gadar had released today it would have amassed Rs 300 crore.Nobody estimates and highlights that.

You endorse Gitanjali as well

Now will you say that I have funded that too My face was made for jewellery.The going is good,man.

People say that your friendship with Sanjay Dutt and Maanyata went for a toss after Sanju
asked you to cover up your glamorous outfit at a party.

I was invited to their recent Mata Ki Chowki but I was out of town.Sanju has always been protective about me.When I went for the Agneepath party,he said ye chaddi pehen ke kya ghoom rahi hai The way he doesnt want his daughter to be a part of the industry,he wants me to get married to a rich guy and sit at home.He even came to me with a proposal to marry one of his Gujju friends in Chicago.

How happy are you with your acting career

My film with Aamir,Salman and Hrithik flopped.Who would have expected films with such top heroes to do badly Yes,I did some bad films but that happens with everybody.I yearn to do a lot more work.Now,I have some good films coming up- Shortcut Romeo,Race 2,Bhaiyyaji Superhit and Singh Saab The Great.As an actor,I dont think even Amitabh Bachchan is satisfied.

But why did you disappear from the acting circuit

I wanted to set up my production house with Kunal Goomer.And I didnt want to do it halfheartedly.We had a mission and we accomplished it.I couldnt have done it when I was ten years older.

Risky idea

Everything is a risk today.I have always taken risks.Did any actress after her maiden superhit play a middle-aged mother like I did in Gadar

But why have you not produced a film yet

We were never supposed to do films with David Dhawan and Priyadarshan immediately.I guess thats what led to speculations.The two of them are very much on board but we are first going with Desi Magic wherein I play a double role.That film is Kunals labour of love,his idea,his story.

Shouldve asked you in the before,what about the reports about your romantic liaison with Kunal

Only because we are two good-looking people  

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Ameesha : I can only compete with myself

With her professional plate full, Ameesha Patel has a lot going on in her life. Though her most recent film was the forgettable Chatur Singh Two Star, she’s eagerly looking forward to the release of her upcoming films. The actress who has completed more than a decade in the Hindi film industry has now turned into a producer too. In a freewheeling chat with HitList, Ameesha talks in details about her upcoming projects, co-stars and working in remakes.

First of all, what are your plans as a producer?
Well, my company Ameesha Patel Productions has two films at the moment. Desi Magic starts in December as we are currently busy scripting the movie, penning dialogues and coming up with chartbuster music. To be very honest, it’s exciting to be part of such projects. I’m also playing a double role in this film. It’s extremely challenging and tiring but satisfying at the same time. Other than Desi Magic, I have a second project titled Paradise Street whose screenplay is under development.
And you’re working with Sunny Deol again in Bhaiyyaji Superhit?
I’m working with not one but two Sunny Deols! It’s double the fun because he’s playing a double role in the film. I’ve always enjoyed sharing the screen space with him. He’s a delight to work with.
Tell us something about your role in Shortcut Romeo...
Shortcut Romeo is like a cat and mouse story. I play an extremely wealthy woman and Neil’s character is always trying to go one up on me and vice versa. I have that little bitchiness in this role something I haven’t done before in a film. I’m essaying this smart woman who won’t take things lying down nor let anybody take her for a ride. Having said that, the chemistry between Neil and me is fantastic.
And the film is a remake?
Yes, it was already made in Tamil. In fact, it was a huge hit down South. Come to think of it, in the last few years, some of the biggest Bollywood hits from Dabanng to Rowdy Rathore have all been Hindi remakes. I believe the thing is to have a fresh storyline and surprising the audience.
How was the experience working again with Abbas-Mustan after a pretty long gap?
Working with them is always a dream come true. The last film we did together was Humraaz nearly a decade ago. Teaming up with them for Race 2 was the way to go because I think Race 2 is sexier than Race 1! It’s shot in Turkey and Cyprus. Abbas-Mustan are always great to work with, primarily because most of the time their central character is a female. In Race 2, I’m the fun element as every time, I show up on screen, you end up laughing. I’m not dumb in real life but it was fun playing one.
What equation do you share with Deepika and Jacqueline on the sets of Race 2?
They are so much fun. It was a pleasure to spend time with all of the crewmembers. Furthermore, it was fun to have everybody on the sets. The entire cast was fabulous. I’m excited for the film. The trailers will release along with the release of Student Of The Year across the globe.
What is the secret behind your recent change in looks?
Blame it on my international-level trainer! He knows his job very well and has literally moulded my body. Thanks to his fitness regime, I’ve seen remarkable changes happening to my physique. I’m neither fat nor skinny. Besides, I don’t think skinny always means fit.
Among your contemporaries, which actress do you feel acts better than you?
In this business, I think every other girl is better than others. After all, everyone is different. I have what they don’t. They have what I don’t. There is place for all the talent… there is more than enough space. Ameesha cannot do all the roles and the same is true about Kareena or Bipasha. I can only compete with myself. At any given point of time, I’m a better actress than myself.
How do you feel about the upcoming young lot in Bollywood?
I feel there is a bundle of talent with cute new faces coming up in the industry right now. Like Ayushmann Khurrana was fantastic in Vicky Donor. I’m especially fond of Varun Dhawan. On the other hand, I also think that age has very little to do with charm. Take Anil Kapoor for example. He’s one of the finest actors we’ve got here. Everybody else will age but he won’t. He doesn’t lose interest in his work even for a second.
You were seen actively endorsing a sunglasses brand...
I’ve really enjoyed endorsing Glam Star. I own a huge collection of sunglasses myself. I can really relate to this brand. They are making high quality product at an affordable price. Even a college-going student can buy it without much hassle.

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Ameesha Laughs at all the Rumours surrounding her

Ameesha Patel speaks out from her heart about the rumours surrounding her. The actress clarifies that there is no special person in her life at the moment and she would rather concentrate on her career.

How is 2012 going for you?

The year couldn't have begun better then it did (touchwood) with so much of happening from Race 2 to Bhaiyyaji Superhit to Shortcut Romeo to endorsements to my own production house. I am also in talks for two other films. Things are looking positive and God willing next year, it will be even better and bigger.

How was it working with actors like Anil Kapoor, Neil Nitin Mukesh, Sunny Deol, John Abraham and Saif Ali Khan all in one year together?

It's been a pleasure knowing them all and working with such fine actors. Of course I've already worked with Saif and Sunny before. It's been a pleasure to work with them again and be a part of some big films.

What about your personal relationship? How come we don't hear any more about that?

I've always been honest about them and spoken about them which I guess didn't really go well for me. Now I'm just focussing on my career and my production house and enjoying life more then I have ever and in no mood for any serious relationships at all.

How come the sweet girl Ameesha has suddenly become a hot and sexy girl?

The credit goes entirely to my business partner Kuunal Goomer who always feels that it's the correct attitude that sells in Bollywood. Since I have the looks, talent and attitude then why not show it? (touchwood). Things have been really working and in spite of a big gap and some negative people who always try writing me off here I am here with five releases lined up in the next 12 months.

What about the rumours that you were removed from a property that you claimed to have purchased?

Firstly, the property which was spoken about was the one which my partner Kuunal and I were planning to rent on behalf of our company in his and my name on behalf of Ameesha Patel Productions. It was for our CEO Sanchita Chatterjee to reside and not for me.

The deal for the house which I was supposed to purchase from the same owner in the same building fell off at a very early stage. The owner called my broker Sanjay after taking a token for the rented house after which my partner Kuunal and I both signed on a basic letter as a confirmation since our CEO needed to shift ASAP.

But after encashing our cheque three days later, he came up with the excuse that I being a celebrity will create problems in the building once he sells the apartment to me and press won't be allowed in the building if I have parties. My partner and I found it ridiculous so my CEO Sanchita and I backed off from the deal and as no registration was done, I asked for my money back for rented house deal which he has happily encashed. So in retaliation he put up rubbish news in papers as he didn't want to pay the money back. So as of now I'm happily staying where I am staying since years now and in fact my hunt for a lovely dream apartment is still on.

What does Ameesha Patel Productions have in store for the people?

Our company is currently working on a project that is my partner Kuunal's concept called Desi Magic. It is entirely his brainchild and we should go on the floors latest by mid-October. We are excited about it and of course post that we shall be busy with our other project with David Dhawan.

What is your reaction towards the Bhatts when they refer to your name for the character that Bipasha Basu is playing in their film Raaz 3?

Each one is entitled to his opinion and we should all respect that. I hope the film does well for them after all so much hard work, efforts, passion, time and money goes into a film. The Bhatts are very talented and have made some very special films that entertain people and I'm sure this, too, will and I hope the best for them.

What is Ameesha Patel's dream?

All that I can dream now is that like Gadar which had touched a R 200 crore club mark and created history, I hope in this second innings of mine I am lucky to work with some fine actors and directors who feel that Ameesha Patel is the sexy actress whom they would love to romance on screen and celebrate their box office success with and deliver another R 200 crore at the box office.

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Ameesha: Gadar is My Heartbeat,my Passion,my life

 Faisal Shariff caught up with Amisha Patel at Subi Samuel's studio for a tête-à-tête.

 

What is your reaction to the various protests against Gadar?

There is nothing anti-Hindu or anti-Islamic about it.

A leading newspaper, made a silly statement, saying that, 'one of the actresses named, Sakina…', which meant they didn't even know that the main protagonist of the film was Sakina.

They say Sunny said, 'Hindustan Murdabad', when he hasn't even mentioned it in the film.

I think a lot of uneducated people, by that, I mean those who haven't seen the film, have passed judgment on it and have made factual errors.

Our film says love passes all boundaries and unites.

Sunny Deol never asks his wife to convert to Hinduism in the film. Even when she is away from him she offers her namaaz.

Sunny agrees to convert to Islam and stay back in Pakistan. When you have a Sunny's character, a strong Hindu, ready to convert to Islam for the sake of love, it conveys that his only religion is the safety of his wife and child. How can there be anything controversial about it?

I received calls from Lahore and Karachi, telling me how much they loved the film there. A few even wanted to meet me, if they ever come to India. When Pakistanis have loved the movie, how can there be anything anti-Islamic about the movie.

Another allegation against the film is that it confuses nationality and caste?

Not at all!

Who decides that a man and woman cannot be united despite religious differences?

Tomorrow if I fell for a Muslim man, I would marry him. Love is the essence of any religion.

Shabana Azmi found the film provocative.

I think her sentiments are uncalled for. When a similar issue marred her film, wasn't she the first one to say that the Hindus objected to it?

What happens now? We made a good sincere film.

Her film couldn't even be shot. At least ours has.

People have given us permission to shoot at certain locations and the censor board has gone through with our film. It meant that very intelligent decision-makers there allowed it because they saw nothing wrong with it.
I think Ms Azmi has made a religious discrimination. I'm sad that someone as distinguished as she is supposed to be, could do what she did. I am sorry to say this; but she has been very petty.

She created a hue and cry with her film, Water. What is she doing now?

When the tables turn and it hits home, it really hurts.

When did Amisha Patel become Sakina for Gadar?

The day I signed the film. From the 500 girls selected, only 22 were screen tested. My audition lasted 12 hours!

We had to enact some key scenes without knowing the entire graph of the film. I had to be spontaneous. I had to dance, had to change into costumes, to look the period. My process of thinking started then.

When I eventually was signed on, I had 20 sittings with the director where we worked on hair, costume, make-up and body language. I was given books on Lahore and Islam to read and movies to watch.

I also visited Haji Ali, watched how the people prayed, as part of my study of the Muslim culture.

I did a lot of research. We used to sketch diagrams of hairstyles we liked. From the six finalised, there was a specific one, which looked best.

A series of sittings with my wig-maker Kailashji followed. He tried to give me the Nargis-Madhubala, look, but I ended up with my own hair, all curled for the movie.

It was a long journey prior to the shooting; they were sittings with my writer Shaktimanji who would run me through the role of Sakina, we'd cover even costumes and color combinations beforehand.

The first scene that I actually did was the one where I'm already in Pakistan. At that point in the film, I'm already a mother and I tell my father "Hum Hindustan nahi jayenge, khat nahi likhenge, telephone nahi karenge, hum sirf intezaar karenge".

It was tough to channelise my thoughts to post-interval, separated and confronting my father.

And this was a year before Kaho Naa...Pyaar Hai had even released. I returned to the Simla portion of the school and college, later.

When I donned on the costumes and make-up and walked onto the set, I wasn't acting, I was Sakina. For most of the scenes, I did not use glycerine.

I think what helped me, were on the locations; the atmosphere created was very authentic. My director and producer had faith in me, I wasn't a star, I didn't have a Kaho Naa…

What did you assimilate about Islamic culture and Pakistan from the books you read? How did they help you?

What I essentially learnt was that Islam and Hinduism preach the same thing.

Many preconceived notions that I had about Islam, were cleared.

I interacted with lots of Pakistanis, when I studied in America and became the best of friends. A high hypothetical geographical line in a map, doesn't make you different people.

We eat the same food, speak the same language; they love our Hindi movies. I am not ashamed of playing a Pakistani girl, I love the Muslim culture. I felt a kinship, found an understanding with them. It felt absolutely foolish to point out differences, that was the most amazing revolution I ever went through.

How did the character of Sakina affect you?

It affected me deeply.

When you understand Islam culture, you'll know that the body language of their women is unlike that of bold Punjabi women. A Muslim girl's eyes are always lowered, she is softer, she possess an understanding, that only culture can give.

A Hindu girl from an affluent educated background would perhaps speak to her father directly, but a Muslim girl bow her head down, in respect. That angle, made all the difference to my character.

What does Gadar - Ek Prem Katha mean to you?

Gadar - Ek Prem Katha has been my heartbeat, my breath, my passion, my life for the past two years.

How would you compare Gadar and KNPH?

KNPH was a very different film. You can't compare it with Gadar.

I played myself in KNPH, a college kid who had been through heartaches and crushes.

Gadar called for perfection. I couldn't walk onto the sets not knowing what I was going to wear and pull on a pair of jeans. Gadar was a very big film...we shot at original locations with huge crowds.

KNPH gave me a platform, an acceptance, it made me popular. Gadar has marked me as an actress. It have been compared with Madhubala and Meena Kumari...that alone is a big feat. KNPH will go in the portals alongside Dilwale... and Dil To Pagal Hai. Gadar has a different niche. It goes down along with the Mughal-E-Azam and Pakeezah.

Not every actress gets what I have managed to, in their second film. You don't see period films or classic films like this made every year. You won't see another Gadar for another 20 years. KNPH was a candyfloss film of today, full of colour. Gadar was true reality.

Why the long break between KNPH and Gadar?

I was committed to Gadar before KNPH was released. For all ethical reasons it was to be my second film because they had signed me on. I walked out of many films, for Gadar. But I couldn't ask for a bigger hit, could i?

Weren't you afraid that the long sabbatical would erase you from public memory?

If your work is good, it doesn't matter if you do only film. Aamir does one film a year and he's more famous than any other.

But Aamir has 15 years of stardom behind him?

That doesn't matter! I'm starting a new trend. But, I feel one good film is worth more than five which don't do anything for you. I will have three to four releases, this year, though.

You've had three upto now KNPH, Badri and Gadar. And scored with all of them. Does this pressurise you or does it make you over-confident?

I feel lucky. I have gotten used to having hits now. People keep tagging me as a lucky charm for their films.

But, I know my little bubble will burst soon and I will be snapped out of my dreams. I'll take that in my stride as well. All I know, is that I am blessed. I didn't have a big banner backing, Anil Sharma was written off as a director; Sunny was a little too old for me.

When you think of Sunny, you don't think of a love story. When you think of Amisha Patel you don't think of her playing a mother to a five-year old. Also we were catering to a mass audience. But we went ahead and did it and it worked. I took the risk because I had conviction and it worked like magic.

And no, I am not over-confident.

Do you think you have never really been given your due?

As long as the dark horse is winning, I don't see the problem. The public will give me my due.

It would have been tougher if I had the backing of a Subhash Ghai or a Yash Chopra banner. That would have given them half the credit for the success.

When you have everything working against you and yet you beat every record, you feel real victory.

What is your definition of acting?

Acting is reacting, feeling, being. It's about reacting to people and being sensitive to emotions. If you are a sensitive person you can be a better actor. Acting can't be taught. There isn't a right or a wrong.

Did you read the original story for Gadar? Did you see Shaheed-E-Mohabbat?

No, I didn't.

It was an inspired story. I didn't want to go into the film with some pre-conceived notion. I knew that I had to put in my own homework not someone else's effort. I could have watched Shaheed-E-Mohabbat and been that girl but I didn't want to. I wanted to make Sakina an original. It was my decision.

Compare your stints with Hrithik, the latest craze and Sunny, the seasoned actor as actors.

Hrithik has a long way to go. He has a lot of learning to do. He will improve with every film. He is still a newcomer, he still is my buddy.

Sunny is a superstar. A National Award winner with 18 years in the industry. But he made me feel so comfortable. He was never insecure about his role.

Is this part of the journey or is this the destination? Is it going to be movies now?

I don't know. I don't know tomorrow. I am doing well, now. That matters most. I have been accepted, I have been loved.

I have an 'A' grade on my report card. I might see an 'F' on it tomorrow and then I might just have to exit gracefully.

Have you seen Lagaan?

No, I haven't. My parents have, and in many ways they thought it was better than mine and in many ways they thought my film scored over it.

But, they said that the two could not be compared. Lagaan is an entertainer Gadar is a serious film. But I am happy that the film did well because Aamir is my favourite actor.

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