Latest news with #MangalPandey:TheRising
Time of India
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
History meets irony: When King Charles launched a Bollywood movie on India's revolt against British rule
In 2003, the launch of Aamir Khan starrer 'Mangal Pandey: The Rising' witnessed a moment that many found deeply ironic — the muhurat clap of the film, which centered on India's 1857 revolt against British colonialism, was given by none other than Prince Charles, now King Charles . The event took place in Mumbai and drew widespread attention, especially given the film's theme revolving around resistance against British rule. The Rising was one of Aamir Khan's most anticipated projects following the success of Lagaan, which had earned an Academy Award nomination. Directed by Ketan Mehta and written by Farrukh Dhondy, the film focused on the life of Mangal Pandey, a sepoy in the British East India Company army whose actions helped ignite what became known as the First War of Indian Independence. Aamir Khan's movie on 1857 revolt had Prince Charles at its Muhurat Aamir Khan Responds to the Irony Back then at the launch event, Aamir Khan addressed the media's questions regarding the symbolism of a British royal figure inaugurating a film about colonial rebellion. He clarified that the film was not made with anti-British sentiment. 'This film is not anti-British,' Khan stated. He explained that the film's core was a human story that explored deeper themes. 'This film is not against the Queen's rule, but the East India Company, which ruled India then,' he said, adding that the character of Captain William Gordon represented reason, while Mangal Pandey's journey was about awakening and questioning authority. Casting Changes and Creative Decisions Initially, Aishwarya Rai was signed to play the female lead, Jwala. However, she was replaced by Ameesha Patel after a disagreement with the production team. The cast also included Rani Mukerji, Kirron Kher, and British actor Toby Stephens. In 2023, Ameesha Patel revealed that Rani Mukerji's role was originally intended as a cameo. However, changes were made during production, and Mukerji's role was expanded to include a romantic angle with Aamir Khan's character. Khan believed that this adjustment would make the story more emotionally relatable to Indian audiences. Mixed Reception and Box Office Outcome Mangal Pandey: The Rising was released in 2005 and marked Aamir Khan's return to cinema after a four-year hiatus following Dil Chahta Hai in 2001. Although the film had a prestigious premiere at the Marché du Film section of the Cannes Film Festival, it did not perform well commercially. With a budget of Rs 37 crore, the film managed to collect only Rs 27.86 crore at the Indian box office, making it a box office disappointment despite high expectations.
Time of India
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Ameesha Patel recalls Aamir Khan being nervous before camera during Mangal Pandey shoot, 4 years after Lagaan: ‘That was a wake-up call for me'
Ameesha Patel has shared a candid anecdote about her Mangal Pandey: The Rising co-star Aamir Khan , revealing that the usually confident actor was once nervous to face the camera. The 2005 film, based on the life of freedom fighter Mangal Pandey , may not have set the box office on fire, but it remains memorable for its performances and subject. In a recent interview with Filmy Mantra, Ameesha recalled how her co-star's nervousness helped her realise that every actor, no matter how seasoned, goes through moments of self-doubt. 'Aamir told me he was nervous to come in front of the camera' 'When Lagaan ke baad, 4 saal baad, Aamir was shooting for Mangal Pandey. I was shocked. Aamir came to me to say, 'Ameesh, I'm actually nervous to come in front of the camera because I haven't shot for 4 years and itni expectations hai Lagaan ke baad.' And that was a wake-up call for me ki ye har ek ke sath hota hai,' she shared. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Google Brain Co-Founder Breaks His Silence: Read These 5 Books And Turn Your Life Around Blinkist: Andrew Ng's Reading List Undo Ameesha added that it was both surprising and comforting to know that even a perfectionist like Aamir Khan wasn't immune to the pressure of expectations. Blockbusters early in career created unrealistic expectations The Gadar 2 actress also opened up about the impact of starting her career with back-to-back hits, Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai and Gadar: Ek Prem Katha. According to her, this initial success created an impossible benchmark that audiences continued to expect from her. She said, 'I gave two of the biggest blockbusters at the beginning of my career, and after that, people thought every film would be that big. But no actor can give that kind of success every time.' Directed by Ketan Mehta, Mangal Pandey: The Rising starred Aamir Khan, Ameesha Patel, and Rani Mukerji . The film narrated the story of the 1857 revolt and the role Mangal Pandey played in igniting the freedom movement, especially after the controversy surrounding the use of greased cartridges in British rifles. Ameesha Patel Sparks Pregnancy Buz Aamir gears up for Sitaare Zameen Par On the work front, Aamir Khan is preparing for his upcoming release Sitaare Zameen Par, touted as a spiritual sequel to his 2007 classic Taare Zameen Par. The film will also star Genelia D'Souza in a pivotal role. In addition, Aamir is celebrating the theatrical re-release of the cult comedy Andaz Apna Apna, which hit the screens again to mark its 30th anniversary. The iconic film, originally released in 1994, also featured Salman Khan , Raveena Tandon, Karishma Kapoor, and Shakti Kapoor.
