I still have no complaints against anything in life, Amisha

Source: DNAIndia

Ameesha Patel is an interviewer’s delight. Never to shy away from controversial topics, her answers have often created a furore in showbiz where hypocrisy is the name of the game. A big fan of classical music, she compliments me on my tabla caller tune and discusses music like a true connoisseur. Pleasantries exchanged, we settle for a kyon and hey:

So what’s new?

Well, at this stage I’m all excited about Priyadarshan’s Chandramukhi which will begin early next year. This is going to be my second film with Akshay (Kumar) after Mere Jeevan Saathi. Chandramukhi has an old charm about it and that’s something I’m looking forward to.

I’ve done period films like Gadar and Mangal Pandey in the past and I was appreciated in those projects. Also, it would be the first time that I’ll be working with Shiney Ahuja and Vidya Balan. So, I’ve more than one reason to look forward to that film.

Also, Honeymoon Travels Pvt Ltd is on the verge of release. It’s a fun film, I’m playing a completely chilled-out character. It’s a mad, bizarre role in a film where six couples from different parts of India go to Goa for their honeymoon.

Audiences will certainly see a new facet of me in that project. (Laughs) So, excitement is my state of mind right now.

Do you think you’re taken more seriously as an actor now?

Yes, I’d like to think so. When I first came to the film industry I was looked at as this bubbly young girl who could only do girl-next-door type of roles. But I consciously broke that myth with films like Humraaz where I played a negative character.

Also, at a time when enacting a deglamorous role of a widow was risky, I did Mangal Pandey. I’ve always broken stereotypes. Truth must be told, Ankahee has made a lot of difference to my reputation as an actress. The film may have not worked at the box office but it has really worked for me.

How?

Well for starters, my fan following among men has increased tremendously. I’ve had men coming up to me and complimenting me for my performance.

Coming from men and that too for Ankahee, it’s a great high because my role was anything but glamourous.

Moreover, I haven’t ever been betrayed in love so playing that role was quite a challenge. I think it’s the honesty in my performance that has touched a lot of people.

Do you think it’s necessary for an actor to experience turmoil and pain in real life?

Yes, definitely. I’ve had a lot of troubles in my life and that has really helped me as an actress. The pain that I’ve undergone has only ignited the fire in me to overcome my personal problems. It has made me more determined, more focused. I think pain, trauma and tragedy are a must for an actor.

Even after saying all this, I still have no complaints against anything in life.

After spending six years in showbiz where do you think you’ve gone wrong in your career?
(Laughs) Have I?

Yeah, after a debut like Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai, don’t you think you’ve lost out?

Losing out won’t be the right word but I’ve certainly learnt things the hard way. I made my debut along with Abhisekh Bachchan, Hrithik Roshan, Tusshar Kapoor and Esha Deol.

All of them had a filmi background except me. Naturally, it took me time to understand the ways of the industry. Had I been into politics or law my family background would have helped me.

But in the film industry, I had no one to advise me and even when I signed Gadar, a lot of people advised me against it. It’s always been trial and error and I only have myself to blame for it.

There were talks that Salman Khan was trying for a patch-up been you and Ashmit Patel at his Eid party?

Salman is a sweetheart and he always stands by his friends but nothing of that sort happened.

Lastly, the media is always speculating about your so-called marriage with Vikram Bhatt. Can you come clean on that?

Stories about my marriage to Vikram have been going around for three years now in the media. I’m really not bothered. I’ve always been a very honest person and the truth is that I’m not married. I’m only concentrating on my work, marriage can wait.