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Director Anil Sharma Spills the Beans: Ameesha Patel Not the Original Pick for Sakina Role
In the dazzling realm of Bollywood, where stories are spun, emotions are heightened, and stars shine bright, Sunny Deol's "Gadar 2" has emerged as the crown jewel, reigning supreme at the box office in 2023. This cinematic marvel, a sequel to the iconic "Gadar: Ek Prem Katha," has captured the hearts of moviegoers across the nation and beyond, securing its place as the highest-grossing Hindi film of the year. At the core of this monumental success lies not only the powerhouse performance of Sunny Deol as Tara Singh but also the captivating on-screen chemistry between the lead pair, Tara Singh and Sakina, portrayed by Ameesha Patel.
However, what might come as a revelation to many is that Ameesha Patel was not the first choice for the role of Sakina. Director Anil Sharma, the creative genius behind both "Gadar" installments, recently unveiled this intriguing tidbit during an interview.
When the saga of "Gadar" was being scripted and crafted for the silver screen, Anil Sharma had a pool of talented actresses in mind for the pivotal role of Sakina. He diligently presented his script to a select few, sparking interest and discussions with a handful of Bollywood's leading ladies. Among the illustrious names considered for the role were Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Kajol, two luminaries of Indian cinema renowned for their exceptional acting prowess. Nevertheless, the specific reasons behind their eventual disassociation from the project remain shrouded in secrecy, as Anil Sharma opted to withhold these details.
As the production of "Gadar" forged ahead, a pivotal juncture emerged. Anil Sharma found himself at a crossroads, needing to make a critical decision regarding the film's leading lady and the eminent actor Amrish Puri, cast in the formidable role of Ashraf Ali. Negotiations were underway with an actress who was willing to assume the role of Sakina but presented substantial salary demands. Given the constraints of the film's budget, the producers confronted Anil Sharma with a daunting choice: he could either retain the celebrated Amrish Puri, whose towering presence was deemed indispensable to the narrative, or proceed with the leading lady. In a move that would shape the destiny of "Gadar," Anil Sharma, with unwavering conviction, chose to stand by Amrish Puri, firmly conveying to the producers that the film would proceed without a leading heroine. He believed that the character of Ashraf Ali demanded an actor of Amrish Puri's caliber, a decision that would prove instrumental in the film's enduring legacy.
Fast forward to "Gadar 2," and history repeats itself, albeit in a different manner. The sequel has not only etched its name in the annals of Bollywood but also eternally changed the cinematic landscape. "Gadar 2" has triumphed over all odds, shattering records in its path, including eclipsing Shah Rukh Khan's "Pathan" in terms of box office earnings. With an astounding collection of 524.75 crores in India, it has surpassed the lifetime earnings of "Pathan," firmly establishing itself as a cinematic juggernaut.
- PTC PUNJABI
