Ameesha Patel says its difficult to thrive in industry without 'husband or boyfriend': 'Don't have people..'

Ameesha Patel’s entry into Bollywood was nothing short of impressive. With her debut in Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai, she became an overnight sensation and won the audience over with her charm and talent. But despite the film’s huge success, she says the recognition and support that often come with such a blockbuster were never fully extended to her. In a recent interview, the actress opened up about feeling like an outsider in an industry that often favors those within its inner circle.

Speaking on Zoom’s Spotlight Sessions, Ameesha shared how her straightforward nature and refusal to play along with certain social expectations have cost her industry support. “At the end of the day, the audience needs to love you, no matter what camp you belong to. Yes, because I didn't belong to certain camps, because I don't drink, I don't smoke, I don't maska-lagao for work, I get whatever I get on my merit, I am not liked by people for that reason. I am not going to suck up to you,” she said.

She also spoke about how she got the role in Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai, revealing that she was not the first choice. Kareena Kapoor had originally been cast, but left the film due to creative differences. “But he still didn't sign me first,” Ameesha recalled. “After he had Kareena leave the film because of their differences and him being upset with her behaviour that I got the opportunity. Had I come from the film industry, maybe I would've been the first choice.”

At the end of the day, the audience needs to love you, no matter what camp you belong to. Yes, because I didn't belong to certain camps, because I don't drink, I don't smoke, I don't maska-lagao for work, I get whatever I get on my merit, I am not liked by people for that reason. I am not going to suck up to you

- Ameesha Patel

Ameesha pointed out how difficult it is to thrive without strong connections or a partner from the film world. “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. There's no reason to back you, you are an outsider,” she explained.

Unlike many star kids who grow up around film sets and industry politics, Ameesha had to navigate everything on her own. She learned the business through experience and by standing firm in her values, even when it meant going against the norm.