Director Anil Sharma has shared an interesting behind-the-scenes story from his blockbuster film Gadar: Ek Prem Katha (2001), revealing how Ameesha Patel was cast opposite Sunny Deol and why veteran actor Amrish Puri was also a crucial part of the film.

“Big Heroine or Amrish Puri” – The Casting Dilemma

In a recent interview, Anil Sharma recalled that the production house Zee Studios had set a budget constraint during casting. He was given a choice:

• Cast a big star heroine opposite Sunny Deol, OR
• Hire a strong veteran actor like Amrish Puri

Sharma chose Amrish Puri, explaining that the character required a powerful antagonist presence. He famously said that for him, “Pakistan in the film was Amrish Puri.”

Why New Talent Was Needed for the Female Lead

After prioritizing Amrish Puri for the antagonist role, the makers decided to cast a relatively new face for the female lead. Anil Sharma revealed that several top actresses, including Kajol and Aishwarya Rai, were approached earlier, but the deals did not materialize.

He added that many established actresses did not fully connect with the script and felt it lacked glamour.

Ameesha Patel Selected from Hundreds of Aspirants

Once the decision was made to cast a fresh face, an extensive audition process began:

• Around 400–500 girls auditioned
• Shortlist narrowed to 40–50 candidates
• Then reduced to 12 finalists
• Finally, Ameesha Patel was selected

Sharma said Ameesha stood out for her screen presence and dedication, even before her debut film Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai released.

Ameesha’s Commitment to Sakina Role

According to the director, Ameesha Patel completely immersed herself in the character of Sakina, staying in the role mindset for nearly six months during filming.

Bottom Line

The casting of Gadar turned out to be a defining moment in Bollywood history — a mix of bold budget decisions, intense auditions, and perfect character selection. Choosing Amrish Puri over a big heroine and then discovering Ameesha Patel from hundreds of hopefuls ultimately helped shape one of Indian cinema’s most iconic films.