Mumbai: Ameesha Patel, who made her debut opposite Hrithik Roshan in the 2000 blockbuster Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai, recently reflected on her 25-year journey in Bollywood. From her iconic debut to headlining the record-breaking Gadar franchise, Ameesha has carved a special niche for herself. Speaking to News18, the actress recalled her debut, her relationship with Hrithik Roshan and her philosophy of staying relevant in the industry.
When asked if she ever regrets that her filmography is not as extensive as her peers, Ameesha said that she values quality over quantity. “Do I miss doing more films? No! I would rather be remembered for my iconic films than turn up on a Friday and be forgotten on a Saturday,” she explained.
He also highlighted his rare achievement of two films, Gadar: Ek Prem Katha and Kaho Na… Pyaar Hai, which were re-released after decades and celebrated by the audience. “I am the only actor with the highest viewership with these two films. No one has been able to break that record,” she said.
Ameesha also gushed about her ‘Kaho Na…Pyaar Hai’ co-star Hrithik Roshan, who has become one of Bollywood’s most famous actors and fitness icons. Recalling her first impression of him, she shared, “We were family friends, and I had known him since we were teenagers. At the time, he was skinny, introverted, and awkward, just like me. But when I came back from Boston I saw Hrithik completely changed. He had transformed from a caterpillar to a butterfly.”
He remembers her telling him that he was destined to become a superstar, but Hrithik laughed it off and called him biased, “It was as if this caterpillar had become a butterfly. I looked at him and said, ‘supper star!’ But he couldn’t stomach it and he called me a partisan. Our shyness was gone and I started calling him Pierce Brosnan, the term I coined. And I’ve been very proud of it since day one.”
Ameesha Patel’s journey is a testament to her resilience and ability to leave an indelible mark on cinema.
