>Revealed: Why Ameesha Patel was booted from Rajdhani Express

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Close proximity to Sanjay and Maanayata got Ameesha Patel booted from Leander Paes’ debut Rajdhani Express

While it has been reported that Ameesha Patel walked out of Ashok Kohli’s Rajdhani Express starring Leander Paes, insiders insist that her exit had to do with her close friendship with Sanjay Dutt’s wife Maanayata.

It is common knowledge that the new Mrs Dutt and Mrs Paes, (who was formerly Mrs Dutt) do not share a good equation. And the actress became collateral damage and was ousted from Leander’s debut film.

Meanwhile, Ameesha has been telling people that she walked out of the film because the part required her to do steamy scenes with the tennis ace, which she wasn’t comfortable doing.

This didn’t ring true because the actress has never shied away from dare-and-bare roles. Paes later clarified in a recent interview that there are no intimate scenes in the film.

Wife says no

It all started when Leander learnt about Patel’s dosti with Maana from his wife Rhea. She expressed her misgivings to her husband, who in turn told his producers Ashok Kohli and Manoj Kejriwal.

“They all felt that in the best interests of the film, she should leave the project and be replaced by a newcomer without any contacts in B-town.”

The tennis star was irritated when she started planting stories of her walking out from the film because of steamy sex scenes.

Adds an insider, “Leander hasn’t met Ameesha so there’s neither friendship nor animosity towards her but her rumours were hurting him, his film and his image. He’s a national celebrity with a clean image and wouldn’t act in questionable film.”

Mutual decision

A source from the production says there are no intimate scenes, as there’s no leading lady in a romantic role, “RE is like A Wednesday or Rang De Basanti.

In RE, the main character is Leander and the pivotal character is Paresh Rawal.” Producer-director Kohli states, “Ameesha and I had discussed it and mutually decided to part ways.

I don’t know why she said she walked out because of the steamy, intimate scenes, as there aren’t any at all.

We decided to part ways as she comes from mainstream films and I am a debutant director working on a film with an ensemble cast. I told her we should do a film where she has a better role.”

However, he denies that Leander asked for her to be replaced.

“He is a thorough professional and gentleman and hasn’t interfered once in the entire process of filmmaking. He’s a sportsman and brings a different kind of discipline to the film.”

Ameesha remained unavailable for comment.

>Ameesha: The Vice Presidents wife is a big fan of mine

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Ameesha Patel attends fundraiser organised by the wife of India’s Vice President

Ameesha Patel was in Delhi as guest of honour for the fundraiser for the Vice President of India Shri M Hamid Ansari’s wife Mrs Salma Ansari.

The event was for the L’noor Foundation based in Aligarh which is a NGO founded by Mrs Ansari for below poverty line (BPL) children.

When she started out, 200 children were registered with the NGO whereas now more than 2000 are. Everything from their school fees to food, is taken care of.

Huge task

The actress says, “Mrs Ansari is an alumnus of Aligarh University. Once when went horse riding a few years ago in the interiors of Aligarh, she devastated by the poverty she saw there.

It’s been a huge task for her to raise funds for their upliftment so when she asked me I had to go. I advocate education. The proceeds of the event went to her foundation.”

Mrs Ansari, the fan

Ameesha adds that Mrs Ansari paid her several compliments. “She’s a very warm and lovely lady and told me that she’s a great fan of mine. She said she found me educated and intelligent and loved the kind of roles I do.

I have promised to help her with her work. I love to do something for the underprivileged and recently went for the Sunday marathon award for the Aseema Foundation in Juhu.” 

>Kangna edges Ameesha out. Irritated Ameesha hits back

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Ranaut grows closer to Dutts than Patel

There has been a change of equation in the bonding of Ameesha Patel and Kangna Ranaut with the Dutts. The actresses are part of Sanjay and Maanayata’s coterie. But now Kangs has emerged to be closer to the couple.

Says a source, “Though both knew Sanju professionally, they began bonding with his wife and became extremely near to her.

However somewhere down the line Ameesha felt that the Pahari girl was proving to be more favourable and garnering movies.”

Kangna stars in Dutt’s home production Rascals. She’s also part of the Sanju-starrer Double Dhamaal. Earlier she was also seen in No Problem and Knock Out, both of which had the star.

Adds the source, “It’s clear to Ameesha that Kangna’s equation with the Dutts is helping her professionally as well. And that is irritating her.

With a film career not much to speak about Ameesha was to feature in Power but the project never took off. Also, Chatur Singh Two Star, her film with Dutt, never saw the light of day.”

Last September Ameesha had hosted a baby shower for Maanayata.

At Sanju’s business manager Dharam Uberoi’s daughter Neha’s wedding Ameesha was conspicuous by her absence even though the Dutts had hosted one of the events. Kangs was very much part of the celebrations.

As the source puts it, “Ameesha is feeling distanced out in the current scenario.

Their friendship exists but it’s less intimate. Somewhere she had this unsaid expectation from Sanjay that he would suggest her name but when Kangna became part of Rascals it hurt her.”

However, the Dutts’ spokesperson maintains, “Kangna is a co-star and colleague. Ameesha is more than family. They want Ameesha to get married and the kanyadaan will be done by Sanjay and Maanayata.”

Says Ameesha, “My relationships unlike most actors are not driven by gain. I was at Maana’s house last week and spent all afternoon with her and the kids.

I have been travelling and busy. I am in Arunachal Pradesh now. Kangna may or may not exist in the Dutts’ lives years from now. But the Dutts and I will always be family.”