Ameesha Patel, the actor who burst onto the Bollywood scene with monumental hits like Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai and Gadar: Ek Prem Katha, recently revealed a surprising truth about her personal life. She has remained single by choice, stating she turned down marriage proposals because she refused to give up acting—a non-negotiable demand from her suitors. She has remained single by choice, stating she turned down marriage proposals because she refused to give up acting—a non-negotiable demand from her suitors.In a candid interview, the 50-year-old actor shared that she still receives proposals, even from men half her age, but she prioritizes mental maturity and her career above all else.
During an appearance on Ranveer Allahbadia’s YouTube podcast, Ameesha spoke openly about the path she chose. “People who love you will let your career prosper,” she said, reflecting on her journey. She confessed that she has made sacrifices for both her career and her personal life, learning valuable lessons from each experience.
Ameesha recalled a particularly serious relationship she had before entering the film industry. Her partner, from a prominent South Bombay industrial family, was an ideal match in every other aspect. However, he did not want a wife in the public eye, forcing her to make a difficult decision. “I chose my career over love,” she stated, a choice that has defined her life path since her debut.
A Career Defined by Blockbusters and Resilience
Ameesha’s career began with a bang in the year 2000 with Rakesh Roshan’s Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai, starring opposite Hrithik Roshan. The film was a massive commercial success, making her an overnight star and earning her a Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut. She followed this up with another blockbuster in 2001, Gadar: Ek Prem Katha, where she played Sakeena, a role that cemented her as a cinematic force. The film became one of the highest-grossing films in Indian cinema history and earned her a Filmfare Special Performance Award.
Following her initial success, Ameesha’s career experienced a period of fluctuation. Films like Humraaz (2002) performed well, but she faced a string of less successful projects. She took on supporting roles in multi-starrer films such as Honeymoon Travels Pvt. Ltd. (2007) and Bhool Bhulaiyaa (2007), showcasing her resilience and ability to adapt. For a period, she also delved into production, launching her own company, Ameesha Patel Productions, in 2011.
After a five-year hiatus from the big screen, Ameesha made a spectacular comeback with Gadar 2 in 2023. The film, which saw her reprise her iconic role alongside Sunny Deol, became a box office phenomenon, collecting a staggering ₹686 crore worldwide. The film’s success was a testament to her enduring appeal and the audience’s love for her character.
Her most recent project, the 2024 film Tauba Tera Jalwa, opened to mixed reviews, but critics generally appreciated her performance. The romantic comedy, directed by Akashaditya Lama, featured Ameesha alongside Jatin Khurana and Angela Krislinzki. Despite the film’s negative reception, fans praised Ameesha for her on-screen presence, proving her acting talent remains a key strength.
Open to Love, but with Non-Negotiable Conditions
Despite her past experiences, Ameesha remains optimistic about finding love and marriage. “I am all up for marriage, as long as I find someone worthy,” she shared on the podcast. She believes that the right person will not only accept her for who she is but will also be mentally and emotionally mature. “I still get all kinds of proposals from a lot of well-to-do families. People half my age want to take me out on a date, and I am open to it because a man has to be mentally mature,” she stated. She humorously added, “I have met a lot of people older than me that have the IQ of a fly.”
This bold stance on her career and relationships resonates with her past. Ameesha, who studied bio-genetic engineering at Tufts University before switching to economics, chose acting over a job at Morgan Stanley, a decision that has consistently defined her life. As she continues to look for her next project, her journey stands as a powerful example of a woman who prioritizes her identity and profession, refusing to be confined by traditional expectations.