MUMBAI MIRROR (May 18, 2019)

Ameesha Patel, who is gearing up for the release of her next film, Desi Magic, with an ensemble cast, is in an upbeat mood. And the months preceding D-day, which she spent roaming the world, is the reason behind it. The actress, who is an avid social media user, and has been keeping her fans abreast about developments on the film. Over the last 15 months Ameesha has been globe-trotting, not just for the shoot but to honour other professional commitments as well. Desi Magic, which is Ameesha’s first home production, is now complete and generating a huge buzz among those who have seen the rushes. Riding the buzz, she’s ensured that Desi Magic is the biggest, most lavishly mounted film by an actress-producer in the romcom genre till date.

Ameesha and her business partner, Kuunal Goomer, have left no stone unturned to meet this objective and while they took their time to wrap it up, they have succeeded in delivering a full-on commercial entertainer. If reports are to be believed, Ameesha is really happy that the film is finally complete. She and her team are currently occupied with the post production and are very confident with the way it is shaping up.

The interesting cast and great music is the USP of Desi Magic. Over the last 15 months, Ameesha and Kuunal have travelled far and wide with it, from Mumbai to Paris, Georgia, London and Bangkok.

While Ameesha plays a double role in the film, she has kept in mind that the story is not just about her but all key components of the script. Rajat Rawail plays a key character from Punjab, who is a die-hard fan of Ranveer Singh’s character Sangram Bhalerao from Simmba. The role promises a lot of laughs. The emotional father-daughter bond between Randhir Kapoor and Ameesha will also touch a lot of hearts.

From music and comedy to emotions, the film has it all and the release date will be announced very soon.

Ajay Kumar Singh has moved court after he was told by the duo that they have no intention of returning the Rs 2.5 crore that he lent them
Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; March 29, 2019)

Producer Ajay Kumar Singh who is gearing up for the release of the Jimmy Sheirgill-Mahie Gill-starrer Family Of Thakurganj has moved court against Ameesha Patel and her business partner Kuunal Goomer accusing them of fraud (Mirror is in possession of the legal documents). He claims he had given the duo Rs 2.5 crore as financier to complete their long-in-the-making film Desi Magic and all that he has to show for it today are some bounced cheques.

The Mehul Atha-directed romcom, Ameesha’s first production with Kuunal Goomer, went on the floors in 2013 but has yet to see the light of day. Featuring Zayed Khan, Ravi Kishan, Sahil Shroff and Randhir Kapoor, it has Ameesha in a double role of Sonia Saxena and Mahi Deol.

Ajay told Mirror, “I had given Ameesha and Kuunal Rs 2.5 crore when they visited Ranchi in March last year for an event. They had told me the film would release by June 2018 and would be a profitable venture for me. It has yet to arrive at the theatres and when I badgered them, they promised to return my money with interest in two-three months. They even gave me a cheque of Rs 3 crore but it bounced and when I went back to them, they told me this time that they had no intention of refunding my money. They also threatened me by showing me Ameesha’s photos with some influential people.”

The harrowed financier has now been forced to take the legal route and has filed a complaint with the Ranchi court alleging fraud and cheque bouncing. “They say the film will release this year, but I haven’t got any updates on their plans,” he added Ameesha and Kuunal chose not to respond to calls and messages. 

Paresh B Mehta (MID-DAY; August 31, 2018)

mid- day catches up with the glam doll who stole a million hearts from day one of her debut film as an actress. Now she prepares to steal a million more, with her debut as a producer and actor of upcoming film DESI MAGIC.

How do you manage to look hot and hotter with every year passing by?
Well thank you for you lovely compliments. Firstly I don’t see myself as hot (Ameesha gives out a big laugh) and for this I need to thank my fans who think of me that way. I am so delighted with my fans who have loved me all throughout since the time I played a simple Gadar girl and then the innocent wife I played in Bhool Bhulaya opposite Akhshay Kumar to the times of my ‘Sexy lazy lamhe’ song.

How do you manage to play so well and look so apt for each character with so much ease whereas it surely seems difficult?
Well it isn’t so hard for me and I am sure it isn’t for other actors as well. Sometimes when you are blessed with certain features or looks where you can look sexy as well as the homely wife, then it certainly becomes a lot easier for sure. For instance, in Race 2, I played this bubbly girl and that was fun and I really loved being a part of that action thriller. Coming to your question – Yes playing the bubbly character was almost like me in real life but in the future as an actor I would like to venture out doing various roles where as an actor I can showcase my real talent to my fans. I promise them that I shall always good quality work like something I’ve always done in the past as well.

As an actress how does that feel to become a producer too?
It feels great and I cannot wait to showcase my first film as a producer and as an actor very soon. Desi Magic is my debut film as a producer and finally it is now around the corner. We would announce its release date very soon. My business partner Kuunal Goomer and myself have left no stone unturned to make sure that Desi Magic lives up to the expectations, specially considering the time it has taken. All I can say is very soon its trailer will be out and I pray and hope all the curiosity and questions generated around the film will be answered once my fans get to see a glimpse of the product we have created. As of now, all I can say is confidently that as first time producers we are very proud the way it has turned out!

What is the film Desi Magic about?
It isn’t a slapstick nor is it a serious content based film. Desi Magic is and out-n-out entertainer with family emotions, comedy, great music and romance. It will appeal to all kinds of audiences as it is a full on masala film

Your recent photo-shoot with ace photographer Subi Samuel has become the talk of the town.
I am pleasantly surprised that even the social media has taken great notice of my recent pics, with some of them commented as ‘Shocking loads’ (giggles). Thanks for your lovely compliment which Subi equally deserves as he has done a great job.

You been quite active on social media of late .. is that a intentional decision?
Well I wasn’t active until the last 15 months. But now I think social media is a wonderful way to reach out to your fans and interact with them and also at the same time if it is used constructively, it can be very knowledgeable as well in several ways.

Who do you think is currently the most handsome Bollywood hero?
For me it was and will always be Hrithik Roshan as I always feel no one can match his looks and his dedication as an actor, at the same time no one can beat the charming and classy personality of SRK. I have also worked with Salman in Yeh hai Jalwa and with Aamir Khan in Mangal Pandey, both of them are simply amazing actors and super human beings as well. And of course each of them is thoroughly professional.

What do you feel about the journey ahead for you? Where does it lead to?
It may sound funny but I think my journey has just begin (she says it with a big smile). In time to come I hope that I can deliver some great performances and hopefully make my fans proud and happy and of course to my God above all - because of whom I am here. I heartily thank my business partner Kuunal Goomer who is very much involved with me in every aspect of Desi Magic and its making. He is so meticulous and remains particular about every small detail. He remains firm on what he wants in the film and he makes sure he executes things the way he has imagined it to be.

How is it working with Mr Randhir Kapoor who is playing your on screen father in Desi Magic?
Randhir Kapoor Sir is a delight to work with and he is a great human being. I feel so lucky to have worked with him.

Finally, how was it working with Sahil Shroff who is your co- star in the film?
Saahil Shroff is a top model and has a class of his own. He has an awesome personality and remains our surprise factor in the film. I am sure that the audience will be charmed by his performance and hope his pairing opposite me will be appreciated as well.

MID-DAY (September 19, 2016)

There are only two colours on Ameesha Patel’s mind these days — pink and white. That’s all we see on her these days, be it her endorsements, magazine cover shoots or Instagram posts. If one follows her social media accounts closely, they’ll realise that every other picture has her wearing pink. It is hard to miss the snap in which she is sporting a cute pink top, teaming it with white jumpers.

Keeping busy
Professionally, she has been in both Benaras and Mumbai for the last three months shooting her upcoming film, Bhaiyyaji Superhit. When back in the city, she spends her time planning the next schedule of her home production, Desi Magic. The schedule was delayed after Ameesha’s business partner Kunal Goomer changed the film’s script and upped its scale. Her positive approach helps her stay calm. Besides acting, she also involves herself in other processes of filmmaking.

Twice the fun
A unit hand informs that the actress gave out valuable tips to them on set of Bhaiyyaji Superhit for a scene in which Sunny had to shoot a double role scene. She herself is playing a double role in Desi Magic so her knowledge came handy on the set. But mostly, the cast of the former is thrilled to see Sunny and Ameesha’s off screen camaraderie and on screen chemistry.

Still remembered for her iconic role of Sakina in Gadar, this actress (a gold medalist in Economics) has ventured into film production with her maiden venture, Desi Magic. Ameesha Patel speaks about the challenges of being a producer
Paresh B Mehta (MID-DAY; June 24, 2016)

You have been an actor and now turned producer. Which role do you find more interesting?
I enjoy both since acting is something which I have been doing for a while now. It has given me the experience and the confidence to get into production. Making Desi Magic was primarily my partner Kuunal Goomer’s idea and persuasion. Kuunal often tells me, “You are a south Mumbai, American-educated girl and a gold medallist in Economics with so many academic accolades to your credit, then why is it that you haven’t chosen to build your empire and be a pioneer?” But a producer’s task is more challenging because you are not only responsible for yourself being on the set, but you are responsible for everything — from finance to scheduling to behind-the-camera work to appeasing everyone, getting dates of actors and overseeing the film’s look and styling. For instance, while shooting for Desi Magic during a four-week schedule in Patiala, there were some 20 character actors from Punjab itself. Suddenly there was a storm, unheard of in the region. The sandstorm wreaked havoc on our set which collapsed making us lose two days of shoot. We incurred a loss of Rs 40-50 lakh. It was a task to rework the dates of the actors again. While the other technicians were enjoying an unexpected holiday, Kuunal and I were panicking as the schedule was going haywire. Our budget also overshot as we had to erect the set again. These are the challenges a producer has to face, apart from location issues, unpredictable weather and, at times, even dealing with an actor who has had a different haircut which could mar the continuity of a film. The audience doesn’t realise all this and an actor wouldn’t be worried about these aspects of filmmaking. I have had producers requesting me to adjust my dates, so have always been a producer’s actress. I have taken a backseat for three years. Kuunal and I meticulously decide about the crockery, the set design, every dialogue change and all other minute details. I have a double role in Desi Magic apart from the role I play behind. So I am playing a triple role in the project. We are not here to make one film. I want my production house to grow.

You have fans worldwide. Can you narrate some crazy fan experience?
I recall a cute experience post Gadar’s release, when I was shooting in Jaipur fort for Humraaz. There is a scene in the climax where Bobby Deol comes to hug me. The area was cordoned off to a certain extent beyond which the fans could watch the shoot. One of the scenes had Bobby Deol come close to me and hug me. The Punjabi fans started screaming: “Chaddo isse. Yeh Sakina to Tara Singh ki amanaat hai. Pakistan se le ke aaya hai.” They related so much to Sakina’s character and were possessive about her. I was moved. Playing Sakina’s character in a cult film, the audience takes you home, and they feel offended and even though they knew it’s a film, they could not stand the fact that here I was hugging Sunny’s brother. Some Pakistanis even kept their daughter’s name as Sakina.

Being an actor, how do you deal with the constant media glare?
Being a celebrity, whether you are an actor or a sportsman or a politician, one ought to be ready for brickbats along with the adulation. You just have to take things with a pinch of salt. You need to take criticism lightly and let your work speak. I was in The Guinness Book of World Records for a debutant Indian actress beginning with a hit Kaho Na... Pyaar Hai followed by a blockbuster cult film like Gadar, Badri and then Humraaz. They were back-to-back super hit films.

Do you think since social media has become so prevalent, it has reduced an actor’s privacy?
Definitely. One gets clicked anywhere, especially with camera phones. Social media minus the smartphones would not have been so powerful. There are plus points of the social media too as in the case of justice being done in cases which otherwise could have been buried in the corners.

How do you deal with marriage proposals from fans?
I hope that one of these marriage proposals is a worthy knight in shining armour. I have been single for long now.

It’s been a while since your last release. What's in your mind?
There comes a phase in an individual’s life when one needs to pause and reflect. It was time to reinvent myself as a producer. Anyways, over exposure kills the shelf life of an actress.

MID-DAY (May 5, 2016)

Ameesha Patel talks about turning producer with Desi Magic, reuniting with Gadar co- star Sunny Deol on screen and the fun of being single

How is your maiden production, Desi Magic shaping up? There was a lot of buzz around it after you released the teaser.
Desi Magic is turning out to be better than what was planned and imagined. My business partner, Kuunal Goomer, who came up with the concept and is keenly involved with every aspect of this film, decided to delay the film’s release by over a year — it was a decision that we weren’t really happy about initially. However, with all the changes that he has made to the project, he has taken it to a whole new level. The team is extremely happy with the film and we are looking at completing it in approximately three months. And does the time frame to make and release a film really matter? I don’t think so. What matters is how the film has shaped up when it hits theatres and not how long it took to be made. I can name several films that have only been in the pipeline for five years or so with nothing progressing post an official announcement. The audience goes to the theatre on the merit of a film’s content.


How were Zayed Khan and Saahil Shroff as co- stars?
I am highly fortunate to have been working with two great, good looking, cool guys who were highly professional. I couldn’t have asked for better co-stars in Desi Magic. They were just tailor- made for their characters.

How is your other film, Bhaiyyaji Superhitt, with Gadar (2001) co-star Sunny Deol progressing?
Sixty per cent of it has already been shot. Sunny is the most amazing of all my co-stars till date; he is a great human being. Hopefully, our on-screen chemistry will work wonders again.

How was the experience of working with Bhaiyyaji Superhitt director Neeraj Pathak? Is he a taskmaster?
Oh, he is just amazing. He knows what Sunny and I can do; he gets the best out of us. He has created an out and out commercial entertainer. Preity Zinta, who is also playing one of the lead roles, is someone I am really fond of. And then there is Arshad Warsi. He is terrific as always.

Why have you been away from the big screen all this while?
It was a purely professional decision, but now, I am all geared up for a comeback.


Mehul Atha, director of Desi Magic, belongs to the ad fraternity. Did he come with a different vision?
Unlike many others, Mehul focusses more on characters than stylised shots. He has several big ads to his credit and is extremely thorough with his work. I am sure he will make a mark in the industry after Desi Magic releases.

You and Kuunal appear to be positive and strong minded...
You have hit the nail on the head. Yes, Kuunal is very strong minded and positive, and I can confidently say that his thoughts, vision and plans will be the talk of the industry in the near future. He and I believe in doing everything with utmost positivity.

What is more appealing to you — acting or producing?
They are equally appealing and challenging, to be honest. I would like to do both. Working in films under other banners is more important for any actor than sticking to home productions. And making good films under one’s own banner is a challenging task. I am hopeful, with time, our production house will rise to the challenge and deliver.

You got your first break with Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai (2000). Any plans to give struggling actors a chance to make it big through your production house?
Post Desi Magic, we would love to launch new talents for our other projects.

Was turning producer on your to-do list?
No, it was never on my to-do list. In fact, it was Kuunal who forced me into this! But I am happy that I went ahead with his foresight. I couldn’t have asked God for more; I am in a very happy space at the moment.

What about the news of you being offered a TV show in America?
It is one of the top 10 shows on air today, but I declined it since it would have taken up all my time. At the moment, I am happy with my production venture and also busy doing a film with Sunny. There was no way I could leave India for several months on end.

Who among the present Bollywood actresses do you admire?
I am proud of the way Kareena Kapoor Khan and Alia Bhatt have done for themselves. They deserve every bit of the success that they have earned. Hats off to Priyanka Chopra and Deepika Padukone as well for the wonderful work they are doing and making us proud.

You are known to be a fitness freak and your trainer is said to be the best in the business...
Yes, Klinton Rebello is one of the best trainers, who mentors Olympic athletes. He deserves credit for my fitness.

What is your beauty secret?
I do not believe in starving myself and abusing my body. But I feel blessed to have genes of my mother and grandmother, who are extremely beautiful women. Not having too many vices also helps.

Is love on the horizon for you?
I guess men don’t find me worthy of them. Jokes apart, I am currently focussed on my work. Maybe, a year or two down the line, I will think of a relationship. But doing good films is my priority now.

BOMBAY TIMES (March 4, 2016)

BOMBAY TIMES (November 23, 2015)

Sonil Dedhia (BOMBAY TIMES; November 2, 2015)

BOMBAY TIMES (October 9, 2015)

Subhash K Jha (DNA; March 18, 2015)

Ameesha Patel’s first home production Desi Magic got delayed because Ravi Kissen played the villain…. in more ways than one. The Bhojpuri star took off for three months to fight the Lok Sabha elections while Ameesha and her team twiddled its thumbs.

She says, “Ravi was stationed in his constituency during the elections. Obviously, he couldn’t shoot for us. That did slow us down. So did the fact that our leading man Zayed Khan tore a ligament in his leg, and Randhir Kapoor, who plays an important role, took off on a holiday”.

But she isn’t complaining. “We are in no hurry to release Desi Magic. We will release only after the school examinations and the IPL end. Our film is for an audience from the age of six to 60. As the name suggests, there’s a magical quality about it. The film has the innocent romantic charm of Karan Johar’s Kuch Kuch Hota Hai and my own Kaho Na…Pyar Hai.”

Ameesha feels commercial mainstream cinema has lost its innocence. “We either have the Dabangg kind of action films or the cheesy comedies that no family can watch together. We feel Desi Magic brings back the pleasure of the rom-com.”

The actress, who saw great success in the initial stage of her career has been going through a slump period. She is hoping to revive her career with DM. “A lot of our cinema today looks like an extension of television. Why would the ticket-buying public pay to see on the large screen what they already have at home? Desi Magic will hopefully revive the magic of the moves,” she concludes.

Seema Sinha (BOMBAY TIMES; January 26, 2015)

MID-DAY (October 22, 2014)

Ameesha Patel is currently shooting in Thailand for her debut production, Desi Magic. The unit has been shooting on the beaches in Phuket and the actress-producer is happy to be away from Mumbai’s sweltering heat. Desi Magic is being produced under her banner, Ameesha Patel Productions and has her business partner, Kuunal Goomer, as co-producer. Zayed Khan and Sahil Shroff, who feature in the romantic comedy, are part of the current shoot schedule. The unit has been shooting for a song sequence. According to a crew member, director Mehul Atha had the cast in beach wear for the shoot. “It was a colourful sight. The characters created quite a stir on the beaches in Thailand,” adds the unit member.

Ankur Pathak (MUMBAI MIRROR; March 4, 2014)

We haven’t heard the last of the Italian marines yet. They continue to rock our foreign affairs, as Ameesha Patel discovered recently.

The actress was gearing up to shoot her home-production Desi Magic in the Lecco region of Northern Italy but the provincial president, Daniele Nava, refused to let the crew camp out in the historic Villa Monsatero as a mark of solidarity for his countrymen, Salvatore Girone and Massimiliano Latorre, who face trial in the alleged killing of two Indian fishermen.

When Mirror contacted Ivano Fucci, the line producer of the film in Italy, he confirmed the news saying permission to shoot in the villa was denied as Nava owns the property. “Nava is a local politician and his bungalow was one of the locations we were looking at, but now we have shifted to a different province,” he said, adding, “He has no power to revoke any permission as the Film Commission of Italy had already cleared it. We start shooting in April.”

MID-DAY (February 17, 2014)

On Valentine’s Day, the film Desi Magic’s first look was unveiled. Produced by Ameesha Patel Productions and directed by Mehul Atha, it stars Ameesha Patel, Zayed Khan and Sahil Shroff in lead roles.
The event witnessed the launch of the film’s posters and playing the host was actress-turned-producer Ameesha Patel. “Since this is our first film, we wanted to make this event a memorable one. I wanted it to be a grand affair, as it is in tandem with our film’s theme as well,” said Ameesha.

Kuunal Goomer, Ameesha’s business partner, said, “We as a team have been dreaming of this day for so long and it’s great to finally see the dream come true.” Interestingly, the chief guest at this event was filmmaker Rakesh Roshan, who had launched Ameesha in the blockbuster hit, Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai back in 2000. Also present was the film’s entire cast and crew, including actors Randhir Kapoor and Ravi Kishan.
Ameesha adds, “It was an emotional moment for us as Rakeshji is someone who holds a very special place in our hearts. We thank him from the bottom of our hearts for unveiling our poster.”

Actor Prachee Shah, filmmakers Abbas-Mustan and choreographer- turned- director Prabhu Dheva were among others in attendance. The film will begin its last and final outdoor schedule in Italy from the first week of March. The event was designed and executed by Salad Entertainment.

Parag Maniar (BOMBAY TIMES; January 29, 2014)

Ameesha Patel badly bruised her hands and legs while shooting for an action scene for Desi Magic. A unit source said, "It was a chase sequence in which Ameesha, who is being chased by a man had to rush down a flight of stairs. However, while shooting, the guy who was chasing her tripped, dragging Ameesha along with him."

Both got injured in the mishap. A doctor was immediately summoned to the set. "Ameesha's feet and hands are swollen and she has been advised bed rest," said a source.--------------------------  



Renuka Vyavahare (BOMBAY TIMES; January 29, 2014)

Arshad Warsi suffered a near-fatal head injury while shooting one of his new movies, The Legend Of Michael Mishra. The actor said, "The shot required me to jump backwards and fall on my back. Naturally, the camera was placed behind me on a metal trolley. When I jumped, I overshot the spot and banged my head into the edge of the metal trolley. The fall was nasty as my head bounced on that trolley and was spinning for almost half an hour. Things started looking hazy. For a moment I thought my head had broken into pieces. My fight master thought I was finished. Maybe God was looking over me as someone had put a mattress on the trolley, which saved my life."

About safety measures, he added, "The assistants who explained me the scene didn't do it entirely, so I couldn't gauge the distance of the jump. That day was jinxed anyway, as I already had a headache and had taken painkillers just before doing that scene. I asked them not to cut the scene as I didn't want to do it again. Who was to know that I would end up getting badly hurt." 

Sunanya Suresh (BOMBAY TIMES; January 23, 2014)

Ameesha Patel’s maiden home production Desi Magic, directed by debutant Mehul Atha, will see her in a double role for the first time. The film has Sahil Shroff and Zayed Khan as the leading men. While she has acted opposite Zayed in Vaada, this is her first outing with Sahil.

Ameesha plays two contrasting characters and her two looks will be revealed on Valentine’s Day. Says Kuunal Goomer, her business partner, “We are planning an event to unveil the film’s posters live on 3D.”

Meanwhile, the team is soon off to Italy where they will be shooting a romantic number, followed by a long schedule. “The song has been composed by Ankit Tiwari, who won accolades for Sunn Raha Hai Na Tu from Aashiqui 2 last year,” adds Kunal.

Desi Magic is produced by Ameesha Patel Productions.