ameesha-patel-recalls-replacing-aishwarya-rai-in-mangal-pandey

Actor Ameesha Patel recently opened up about the highs and lows of her early days in Bollywood.

 

In a new interview, Patel shared the bittersweet story of losing out on “Lagaan”, only to have Aamir Khan hand-pick her for “Mangal Pandey: The Rising” after being struck by her intelligence.

 

Recalling the incident, she said, "Aamir actually saw my interview and found me very intelligent. We had also done an interview together, and while they were setting up the camera, Aamir and I started playing noughts and crosses. It became a bit of an ego battle between us to see who would win more games. There was a healthy competitiveness between us. But Aamir and I had met quite a few times even before that."

 

The actress also revealed that she had initially been considered for Ashutosh Gowariker’s “Lagaan” but was not cast.

 

Also read: Salman Khan, Nayanthara’s film to release on Eid 2027

 

"I had given a look test for ‘Lagaan’, and I was selected for it too. I had even allotted dates for the film. But while I was shooting for ‘Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai’ in New Zealand, my manager informed me that Ashutosh ji felt I had very ‘educated eyes’ for a village role and that I was extremely fair-skinned. He believed my personality appeared too refined and educated for the part. That's why I didn't fit ‘Lagaan’, and eventually, I was chosen for ‘Gadar: Ek Prem Katha’."

 

The role in “Lagaan” ultimately went to Gracy Singh, who starred opposite Aamir Khan in the film.

 

Patel further shared how she replaced Aishwarya Rai Bachchan in “Mangal Pandey: The Rising” who was initially offered the role of Jwala. Later, Aishwarya’s departure from the film generated speculation about a disagreement over remuneration with producer Bobby Bedi. However, in 2004, Aishwarya clarified that a disagreement between the producer and her representatives led to her exit, adding that the producer later apologised.

 

Helmed by acclaimed filmmaker Ketan Mehta, “Mangal Pandey: The Rising” is a historical epic chronicling the life of the soldier who sparked the 1857 Indian rebellion against the British rule. The film marked Aamir Khan's highly anticipated comeback following his hiatus after “Dil Chahta Hai”. The film featured a powerhouse cast that included Rani Mukerji, Toby Stephens, and Kirron Kher.