Few Bollywood films have managed to remain as beloved across generations as Gadar. The blockbuster has completed 25 years on June 15 and on this occasion, actress Ameesha Patel has shared several memories from the making of the film, including why she initially had reservations about taking on the role that would eventually become one of the most memorable characters of her career.
Looking back at the casting process, Ameesha Patel revealed that her first concern was whether she was too young for the film, especially since Sunny Deol, who played Tara Singh, was already a much more established and senior actor. However, once the filmmakers explained the story and the relationship between the characters, she understood why the pairing worked. The contrast between Tara Singh’s rugged personality and Sakina’s grace and refinement was an essential part of the narrative.
The actress also disclosed that the competition for the role of Sakina was intense, with nearly 500 people auditioning for the part. After being selected, she dedicated herself to extensive preparation. Her research included improving her Urdu pronunciation, visiting mosques, observing religious practices, learning about the British Raj and studying the historical backdrop of the story. Ameesha credited director Anil Sharma for helping her understand the emotional depth and complexity of Sakina’s character.
Reflecting on her experience working with Sunny Deol, Ameesha Patel described him as extremely supportive and patient throughout the shoot. As a newcomer handling a demanding role, she often benefited from his guidance. She recalled that there were occasions when he would personally help her understand scenes and performances, ensuring she felt comfortable and confident in front of the camera. According to her, he always remained calm, encouraging and understanding.
Ameesha Patel also expressed gratitude to fans for keeping the Gadar franchise alive for so many years. She noted that despite the arrival of numerous films and franchises, the combined box-office success of Gadar and Gadar 2 continues to stand among the industry’s biggest achievements. In her view, the story’s emotional core lies in the relationship between Tara Singh and Sakina, making both characters equally important to the franchise’s identity.
She further pointed out that Gadar became a phenomenon without relying on modern promotional tools, social media campaigns, visual effects, item songs or glamour-driven storytelling. Instead, the film succeeded because of its emotional strength and sincere storytelling. Ameesha Patel added that an entirely new generation, many of whom were not even born when Gadar first released, has now discovered the film and connected with its characters, proving that genuine storytelling can continue to resonate decades later.
