Veteran actress Amrita Singh delivered a memorable performance in Mohit Suri’s 2005 film ‘Kalyug’ at a pivotal moment in her personal life, as she was going through a highly publicised divorce from Saif Ali Khan.
The Powerful Casting of ‘Kalyug’
Director Mohit Suri recently shared the intriguing story behind casting Amrita Singh for her impactful role in ‘Kalyug’. He recounted approaching her during a challenging phase, specifically when her divorce proceedings were underway.
Suri, along with Kunal Deshmukh, met Amrita Singh on the set of her show, ‘Kavyanjali’. He pitched the character as a strong, dominating female figure in a male-dominated industry. However, during the narration, Suri had an epiphany.
After their initial meeting, Suri felt he had made a mistake and rushed back to tell Amrita Singh to simply be herself. She candidly agreed, stating, “Who can dominate me? I am already dominating.” This raw, powerful persona was exactly what the filmmakers sought for the role.
Veteran’s Drive and Dedication
Mahesh Bhatt was instrumental in suggesting Amrita Singh for the part, based on his previous work with her. He believed she would be an excellent fit, especially as she was embarking on a new chapter post-divorce.
Suri noted Amrita’s extraordinary dedication to the film, likening her hunger for the role to that of debutants Kunal Kemmu and his sister. Having experienced immense success and stardom, she channeled that understanding into her performance, making it truly unforgettable.
The Public Divorce and Its Aftermath
Amrita Singh’s divorce from Saif Ali Khan in 2004 garnered significant media attention, much like their marriage. While Amrita maintained a private stance on the split, Saif openly discussed his perspective in various interviews.
Saif revealed that their marriage was plagued by constant conflicts. He expressed feeling “worthless” and enduring insults directed at his mother and sister. The financial settlement also became a contentious point, with Amrita reportedly demanding a substantial alimony amount.
Saif had publicly mentioned a Rs 5 crore alimony, of which he had already paid Rs 2.5 crore, along with Rs 1 lakh per month for their son until he turned 18. He stated his commitment to pay the remaining amount, even if it meant working tirelessly.
- Amrita Singh’s casting in ‘Kalyug’ coincided with her divorce from Saif Ali Khan.
- Director Mohit Suri realized Amrita’s real-life dominant personality perfectly suited the character.
- Mahesh Bhatt recommended her, and she showed exceptional dedication to the role, like a newcomer.
- Saif Ali Khan publicly spoke about feeling “worthless” and the financial strain of the divorce settlement.
Amrita Singh’s ability to deliver such a compelling performance amidst personal upheaval highlights her immense professionalism and talent.
