HT Cafe

Ameesha is all set to spread some Desi Magic on screen

- Sneha Mahadevan ■ sneha.mahadevan@hindustant­imes.com

Ameesha Patel and her business partner, Kunal Goomer’s debut production, Desi Magic, is almost 80% complete. It is set to release early next year. Though the film has been in the making for a while, Ameesha says it was a conscious decision to delay it. “Kunal’s vision was that he wanted to make this film bigger than ever. So he doubled the budget of the film overnight. We haven’t compromise­d on production values. It is one of the most expensive romcoms in recent times,” she explains.

Kunal told Ameesha that Desi Magic needs a good dance number. “We have re-created Madhuri Dixit Nene’s iconic song ‘Ek do teen’ (Tezaab; 1988), and have given it a fresh spin with DJ Aqeel scoring the music. We also have Ankit Tiwari singing a romantic number, but unlike his other songs, this one’s not tragic,” she says.

Ameesha says that even though turning producer was a huge responsibi­lity, she is quite happy with her life right now. “I haven’t been part of any camp, and I haven’t had link-ups with my co-stars or been involved in any scandals. All the work that I have got has been on merit. But, by the grace of God, I have managed to hold my own. This is the most challengin­g phase of my life, and I see a bright and beautiful future ahead,” she says.

This is the most challengin­g phase of my life, and I see a bright and beautiful future ahead.

— Ameesha Patel, actor

Actor Ameesha Patel’s first film as a producer, Desi Magic, will see her play a double role in the romantic comedy. The 39-year-old credits her business partner, Kunal Goomer, for pushing her to take this step. “Honestly, this film is his brainchild. I had never planned on turning producer, but Kunal had faith in me, and egged me on to do this. We’ve been friends for over 12 years. He takes care of everything, so I can concentrat­e on acting. Being in front of the camera and behind it is definitely a challenge, but it is one that immensely satisfies me,” says Ameesha.

The duo also roped in actors Zayed Khan and Sahil Shroff to play important roles in the film. Zayed and Ameesha go back a long way as the two have been family friends for several years. “Working with Zayed is like working with a friend. Even before we made our debuts, we choreograp­hed and performed to a dance number at Farah Khan’s wedding. I’m very comfortabl­e with him. Sahil, too, is a lovely person to work with. I’m fortunate to have gotten the opportunit­y to be able to give someone a break. I’ve reached this far without a godfather and anyone to support me. And this is my biggest achievemen­t,” she says.

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 ??  ?? (From left) Zayed Khan, Ameesha Patel and Sahil Shroff
(From left) Zayed Khan, Ameesha Patel and Sahil Shroff

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