Ameesha Patel calls Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai her ‘most raw performance ever’; reveals receiving hate mail written in blood during career start

Ameesha Patel recently opened up about the euphoric period following the release of Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai in 2000, a film that marked a significant shift in Bollywood. Directed by Rakesh Roshan, the film not only propelled Hrithik Roshan to stardom but also introduced Ameesha Patel to countless fans. It resonated with the youth of that era, capturing their essence and becoming the soundtrack of summer with its unforgettable songs. As the film celebrates its 25th anniversary with a re-release, Ameesha reflects on its lasting impact and the joy it continues to bring.

Ameesha Patel on Kaho Na…Pyaar Hai re-release in theatres

Speaking to the HT City, “It feels nice that people want to see the film on 70mm again… they feel the film is important enough to be re-released. That is the beauty of this film. It transcends time. It’s evergreen. We’re lucky to be a part of such an iconic film,” Ameesha expressed. She further shared, “I feel grateful. It was my most raw performance ever. I think authenticity is what also reflected on screen, and people love it. I had a fantastic chemistry with Hrithik.”

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When asked if she plans to catch the film in theatres, she replied, “I had only seen it twice back then. But now, I’m excited to see it again with a whole new group of friends and family who didn’t watch it with me at that time.”

Ameesha on Hrithik becoming an overnight sensation

Reflecting on the euphoric aftermath of the film’s release, Ameesha Patel recalls how she and Hrithik Roshan became sensations overnight. “Fans were taking our pictures to temples and churches, marrying the photos. I received fan mail with photos of me garlanded and messages saying ‘You belong to me.’ Some letters were even written in blood. It was scary as much as it was flattering,” shared the 49-year-old actress.

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Ameesha also recounted how some fans went to extreme lengths, including showing up at her home. “People would come from villages, some would stalk me, somehow find my residential address and wait for a glimpse. The security had to push them away, lying that it wasn’t my residence,” she added, highlighting that back then, actors didn’t have large entourages or social media presence.

Ameesha Patel on gruelling experience while filming

During the filming of the island sequence in Krabi, Thailand, Ameesha described the gruelling conditions they faced. “We shot in 40-degree temperatures with no washrooms or food stalls. We would go hungry for hours, and the one meal we got was difficult to bring to us. It was a tedious shoot, and our skin suffered from allergies due to the mud, sand, and saltwater,” she explained.

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Ameesha also recounted a scary incident during the climax filming when Hrithik injured his back, resulting in a six-month delay for the project. Discussing her relationship with Hrithik Roshan, Ameesha Patel emphasized that they saw each other as friends rather than co-stars. “Hrithik and I will never be co-stars for each other because we began as friends. We shared our insecurities and joys on set, and that sense of togetherness helped us both through it.”

Ameesha noted the valuable lessons she learned from Hrithik, particularly as an outsider in the industry. “He was a great teacher to me,” she said. As she reflects on the past 25 years, Ameesha feels a sense of growth in her acting career. “I would like to think I have a better grasp of cinema or characters now. You grow with every film. But I’m still a student,” she commented, adding, “It’s been a journey that has given me love and adulation from millions of people. It’s a beautiful feeling.” In conclusion, Ameesha Patel’s journey from Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai to her current projects showcases her enduring presence in Bollywood, with no complaints about the path she has travelled.

Also Read: Hrithik Roshan shares 27-year-old handwritten notes from Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai prep; says, “I’d be embarrassed sharing these”