Bollywood actor Ameesha Patel, who shot to fame with her debut opposite Hrithik Roshan in Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai (2000), has opened up about the challenges she has faced in the industry. In a candid interview with Zoom, Ameesha discussed why she believes she’s disliked by insiders and the hurdles that come with being an outsider in the film world.
“I Don’t Suck Up for Work”: Ameesha on Her No-Nonsense Approach
Ameesha revealed that her independent attitude and refusal to play by Bollywood’s unspoken rules have made her unpopular among industry cliques.
“Yes — because I don’t belong to certain camps, don’t drink, smoke or maska-lagao for work — I get whatever I get on my merit. People do not like me for that reason. I am not going to suck up to you,” she said.
The actor, who is known for her outspoken nature, added that audiences matter more than industry validation. “At the end of the day, the audience needs to love you, no matter what camp you belong to,” she stated.
The Journey From Rejection to Stardom
Ameesha also recalled how she wasn’t the first choice for her breakout role. Kareena Kapoor was originally cast in Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai, but was dropped by director Rakesh Roshan due to creative differences. That change opened the door for Ameesha, who then became a household name with the film’s success.
However, her career trajectory wasn’t without its difficulties. The actor highlighted how not having a romantic partner or industry connection can be a significant disadvantage in Bollywood.
“It’s worse when you don’t end up having a boyfriend or a husband from the industry. When you don’t share your other ‘half’ as a power couple, it’s very hard. You don’t have people backing you; you are an outsider.”
Comeback with Gadar 2 and Recent Work
After a long break from films, Ameesha returned to the big screen with Gadar 2 in 2023, which became a massive hit, grossing ₹686 crore worldwide. In 2024, she appeared in Tauba Tera Jalwa, a romantic comedy that received negative reviews, though her individual performance was noted positively.
As of now, Ameesha Patel has not announced any new projects but remains a strong voice about the challenges faced by outsiders in the industry.