Throwback Tuesdays: when Ameesha Patel’s popularity surged after Gadar, but SLB advised her to retire

The rise and fall of Ameesha Patel’s career is a fascinating story in the Bollywood industry. After her breakout role in the blockbuster film Gadar: Ek Prem Katha, Ameesha Patel’s popularity skyrocketed, and she became one of the most sought-after actresses in the industry.

However, her success was short-lived, and just a few years later, acclaimed director Sanjay Leela Bhansali, who had worked with Ameesha on the film Guzaarish, made a surprising suggestion to the actress – he told her that she should retire from the industry.

The reason behind Bhansali’s advice is far from what one might expect. It was not due to Ameesha’s lack of talent or her performance in Guzaarish, but rather, it was a reflection of the changing landscape of the Indian film industry.

Bhansali, who is known for his grand, larger-than-life productions, recognized that the industry was shifting towards more realistic and grounded storytelling. He felt that Ameesha’s on-screen persona, which was heavily influenced by her success in Gadar, was no longer in sync with the evolving preferences of the audience.

Moreover, Bhansali believed that Ameesha’s continued presence in the industry would only serve to limit her growth and potential as an actress. He encouraged her to consider retiring and exploring other avenues that would better suit her talents and personality.

While Ameesha did not immediately act on Bhansali’s advice, it did spur her to re-evaluate her career and the direction she wanted to take. Over the years, she has continued to work in the industry, taking on a variety of roles and experimenting with different genres, but her star power has never quite reached the same heights as it did during the Gadar era.

The story of Ameesha Patel and Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s interaction serves as a poignant reminder that the film industry is a constantly evolving landscape, and that even the most successful actors must be willing to adapt and reinvent themselves to stay relevant and successful.