Bollywood actor Ameesha Patel recently opened up about how Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's exit from Mangal Pandey: The Rising led to her landing the role. She also revealed that Aamir Khan appreciated her intelligence, which secured her a part in the film.
Ameesha Patel recalled how Aamir Khan saw her interview on the BBC and found her very intelligent. They had also done an interview together, and while setting up the camera, they started playing noughts and crosses, sparking a healthy competitiveness between them.
However, Ameesha lost out on Lagaan as the director felt she looked 'too educated' for the role. She was eventually chosen for Gadar: Ek Prem Katha.
Mangal Pandey: The Rising, helmed by Ketan Mehta, starred Aamir Khan in the lead role as the Indian soldier who led a rebellion against the British. The film marked Aamir's return after a hiatus following Dil Chahta Hai.
