Ameesha Patel Says Gadar Films Inspired Pakistani Parents to Name Daughters Sakina

Actress Ameesha Patel has highlighted the cross-border cultural reach and historic box-office success of the Gadar film franchise, claiming that Gadar: Ek Prem Katha and its sequel achieved higher theatrical footfalls than other major blockbusters. Reflecting on the enduring legacy of the films as the original 2001 movie approaches its 25th anniversary, Patel shared details of the deep emotional connection audiences in both India and Pakistan developed with her character, Sakina.

In a recent interview with NDTV, Patel recalled the unprecedented response she received from across the border in Pakistan following the release of the Anil Sharma-directed film, in which she starred opposite Sunny Deol’s character, Tara Singh. She revealed that her portrayal of Sakina earned her a massive Pakistani fanbase, leading to direct phone calls from deeply moved viewers.

According to Patel, elderly women went to great lengths to obtain her secretary's phone number just to speak with her. She recounted how these callers told her that her performance had brought them to tears, saying, "Kya Ameesha ji, Pakistan ko apne rula diya, Sakina ne rula diya."

The actress added that the film's impact was so profound that several parents from Pakistan contacted her to share that they had named their own daughters Sakina after her iconic character.

Discussing the historic theatrical run of the franchise, Patel asserted that the footfalls for Gadar 1 and Gadar 2 outpaced other prominent film franchises. She noted that the initial success of the first film was so massive and rapid that she did not have enough time to fully comprehend or digest how big of a hit it had become at the time.

The Gadar franchise remains one of the most significant cultural phenomena in Indian cinema, with Patel's reflections highlighting how its box-office triumphs were matched by an enduring personal impact on families across the subcontinent.