Not Ameesha Patel but this actress was the first choice for Sunny Deol’s Gadar-Ek Prem Katha

The blockbuster movie of 2001, Gadar, starring Sunny Deol and Ameesha Patel is all set for a sequel. However, if reports are to be believed, the first choice to play the lead in the film opposite Sunny Deol was Kajol and not Ameesha.

According to reports, Kajol and Neelam were strong contenders for the role of Sakina in Gadar-Ek Prem Katha. However, when asked about the same earlier director Anil Sharma, called the reports an ‘outright lie’. He revealed that he did approach many big actresses of that time, however, Neelam was not one of them. He also told that some of the prominent actresses he approached, either didn’t like the story or didn’t want to be a part of a period film.

The makers of the film conducted over 400 auditions before finally deciding on Ameesha Patel for the role of Sakina in the top-grossing movie of that year. The actress reportedly went through a 12-hour audition before getting the role.

Helmed by Anil Sharma, Gadar-Ek Prem Katha stars Sunny Deol and Ameesha Patel along with Amrish Puri, Om Puri, and Lillete Dubey in key roles. Set during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1947, the story of the movie revolves around Ameesha Patel as Sakeena, a Muslim girl who finds refuge in Deol's house during the riots, and subsequently falls for him.

The movie collected Rs 132 crore worldwide and left an impact on the audience so much so that, after 22 years, the sequel of the movie is set to release. The sequel retains Sunny Deol as Tara Singh and Ameesha Patel as Sakina and Utkarsh Sharma will also play an important role in the movie. The movie is scheduled to release in theatres on August 11.