EXCLUSIVE: Ameesha Patel reveals Rani Mukerji was initially not the heroine of Aamir Khan starrer Mangal Pandey; says, “Rani was only supposed to be there as a guest appearance for one song”

Ameesha Patel talks about her co-star Rani Mukerji.

By Bollywood Hungama News Network -

July 3, 2023 - 7:37 PM IST

Bollywood actress Ameesha Patel is currently gearing up for her forthcoming project Gadar 2, opposite Sunny Deol. In a recent interview, Ameesha candidly discussed her friendships within the film industry and highlighted her commitment to focusing on her work. Known for her roles in films such as Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic and Mangal Pandey, Ameesha revealed her admiration for her co-star Rani Mukerji and shed light on their professional journey together.

EXCLUSIVE: Ameesha Patel reveals Rani Mukerji was initially not the heroine of Aamir Khan starrer Mangal Pandey; says, “Rani was only supposed to be there as a guest appearance for one song”

In a recent video interview with Bollywood Hungama, when Ameesha was asked to name her favourite Bollywood co-star, the actress said, “I think Rani Mukerji and I had great friendship. Priyanka (Priyanka Chopra Jonas), Karisma (Karisma Kapoor), Deepika, Jacqueline, it was just cordial. I don’t come with issues, I don’t come with complexes, I don’t com with any sorts of comparisons, what I can offer, only I can offer, what they can offer, only they can offer. There is a space for everybody. I bring what I can to the table. There can only be one Sakina (Her character name in Gardar) but then Deepika is great as a Padmavat. So I will never compare.”

Talking about her journey with Rani Mukerji, Ameesha asserted, “I was never insecure, but I think the person I did 2 films with was Rani, i.e., Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic as a guest appearance with Saif for the Yash Raj Films and then with Aamir Khan in Mangal Pandey.

Giving insights into her film Mangal Pandey, Ameesha said, “In fact you’ll be surprised, in Mangal Pandey, she (Rani Mukerji) was not the heroine of the film. When Aamir narrated me the subject, I was opposite the British actor Toby Stevens, and it was only one love angle and Aamir had a love angle with a British actress.”

“Rani was only supposed to be there as a guest appearance for one song and then Aamir halfway through the filming felt that one love story is already with a British actor, let me be earthy and let me have the love story at least with someone Indian so the audiences can relate,” said Ameesha. “From just one item song, Rani ended up having a holy song with me and scenes. And all. But I never felt ‘why’. In fact she used to always be there on set and say, ‘how are you so thin, tell me’ with her typical style of talking,” she further added.

“I think you have to be secure with yourself, leave whatever they want to talk about you or not talk about you at home and just do your job. I always used to say am here to work, not to make friends, if I the process I make some good friends the great but otherwise this is my workplace like it would be if I was in a bank or in a corporate office. Let me treat it like that. Why should I treat it any differently?” Ameesha concluded.

Gadar 2 is slated to release on the big screens on August 11. The film is expected to clash with Ranbir Kapoor, Anil Kapoor starrer Animal as well as Akshay Kumar starrer OMG 2.

Also Read: Ameesha Patel alleges mismanagement by Gadar 2 director Anil Sharma; says, “Food bills were left unpaid and cars were not provided…”