'Aamir Khan found me very intelligent’: Ameesha Patel reveals how Aishwarya Rai’s exit landed her role in Mangal Pandey

Bollywood actor Ameesha Patel recalled how Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s exit from *Mangal Pandey: The Rising* led to her securing the role. She shared that Aamir Khan noticed her intelligence during interviews, including one on BBC, where they played noughts and crosses. Despite being selected for *Lagaan*, she lost the part due to her perceived 'educated eyes' and fair skin, which made her seem too refined for the role. She was later cast in *Gadar: Ek Prem Katha*. Initially, Jwala was offered to Aishwarya Rai, whose exit sparked speculation about her remuneration dispute with producer Bobby Bedi. Aishwarya later clarified her departure was due to a producer-agent disagreement, with the producer later apologizing. *Mangal Pandey: The Rising*, directed by Ketan Mehta, stars Aamir Khan as the lead, with supporting roles by Toby Stephens, Rani Mukerji, Kirron Kher, and others.