No favouritism, no camps, no bending morals. Actress Ameesha Patel, who rose to fame starring opposite Hrithik Roshan in Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai, is no longer that vulnerable girl who made her film debut over a decade ago. She has survived fame, family betrayals, a broken heart and career setbacks among other things. But this undaunted Gujarati lass is now back with a bang. This time, with the reins firmly in her hands.
Nimisha Tiwari
Being sexy... does it make you feel superior to others?
Ameesha Patel
Ameesha Patel
I know I am sexy. But being sexy is all about attitude, not body type. It’s a state of mind.To me, an intelligent girl with a positive attitude and a great smile is sexy... and she could well be wearing a salwar-kameez. In our profession, sometimes being overtly sexy can be a handicap. You don’t really know if the men are just looking at you as a sex kitten or actually paying attention to you. But yes, I am glad I can carry off a sensuous avatar on screen. I work on my body to stay fit, but that does not make me superior to anyone. I am a forthright and hardworking girl.
Nimisha Tiwari
Your Miss-Goody-Two-Shoes image has withered. The whip is now in your hands...
Ameesha Patel
I have struggled a lot and put in tremendous amounts of hard work to reach this phase in my life. Believe me, it’s not easy being an actress and a producer, especially with no big daddy to support you. I love the fact that I am not arriving on someone else’s sets. I have a say on when the camera will roll and what it will shoot. I am proud that I did not succumb to industry pressures or bend my morals.
Nimisha Tiwari
You have bagged a steamy role in Race 2. Age doesn’t seem to be catching up.
Ameesha Patel
Yes, I will be seen in Race 2 soon. As for my looks, my friends keep telling me that with every new candle added on my birthday cake, I regress in age. I think it’s the effects of positivity within me. I eat healthy, I don’t smoke and follow a good exercise regime. I have always been my grandmother’s pet child. She passed away at 92 but didn’t look a day over 60.
Nimisha Tiwari
Looking back, you went underground post Kaho Na Pyaar Hai and Gadar. Do you regret losing out on meaty roles in the years since?
Ameesha Patel
I never really went without action. Kaho Na... and Gadar have been top grossers in the Hindi film industry. I played Saif Ali Khan’s love interest in Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic (remember Lazy Lamhe), and Bhool Bhulaiyaa was a hit too. I was approached for Billu but the role finally went to Lara Dutta. Priyadarshan felt I looked too young to play a mother to two kids.
Nimisha Tiwari
If you could turn back time, what would you erase from the past?
Ameesha Patel
Honestly, I would erase nothing. Life is all about evolution. What looks like a mistake to others has been a milestone in my life. Even if people have betrayed me, even if my heart was broken, even if people misunderstood or judged me, I have learned from these incidents.We are human and we make mistakes, but learning from them is what makes the difference. I have learned to live my life from my grandmother. Her fire and grit showed me the way ahead.
Nimisha Tiwari
Not too long ago, Bipasha Basu and you wore the same dress at a red carpet event. How did you take that?
Ameesha Patel
I had got this dress specially made by my friend and designer Ramona Narang Rodella. The mix up wasn’t her fault. Apparently, some junior assistant gave away the same dress in a different colour for a film with Bipasha, but she decided to wear it on the red carpet. No actress wants to be in a situation like this obviously, and people went a little crazy writing about it, but Bips and I laughed it away. I am over that incident.
Nimisha Tiwari
Your sartorial preference is known to be sexy...
Ameesha Patel
I have had a fabulous upbringing. My family lived in Mumbai and London, and we travelled all the time. The exposure really boosted my confidence and dressing style. I am not a fashion victim. I pick what I feel comfortable in. I love shoes and handbags. In fact, I have an enviable collection. I love dressing up. I know what suits me and looking sexy is a compliment. Dressing up and looking good is effortless for me.
Nimisha Tiwari
How do you keep in shape and take care of your long tresses and skin?
Ameesha Patel
I eat healthy, work out and sleep well. I don’t go overboard and do not abuse my body. I use besan on my skin, oil my hair and use raw eggs as a pack. I also like to hit the spa when I can. I go for facials and massages too.
Nimisha Tiwari
Anyone you fall back on during bad times?
Ameesha Patel
I have a set of 10-15 rock solid friends. I laugh with them, cry with them and often seek their advice. I can count on them always. My business partner Kuunal Goomer is my best friend. We share the same tastes in music, fashion and films. And finally, when my production house Ameesha Patel Productions happened, we became a natural team.
Nimisha Tiwari
What kind of space are you in right now?
Ameesha Patel
I am a child, but I am sorted. I know my priorities and values. I stay happy by doing things my way. I celebrate my birthday with a lot of excitement, like a child... sending out invitations six months in advance! I enjoy the whole drama of cutting a cake, singing songs, dancing and then unwrapping presents. It’s the fun element in our lives that keeps us going. I have decided to make films that can entertain the entire family. It’s time to bring back the ‘Fun Day’ concept.And you know what, I will damn well do it!
