Ameesha Patel feels that while animated characters may not be able to replace real-life actors, their popularity cannot be discounted

While most actors come to inaugurate a place just to add the celeb quotient, Ameesha Patel's presence at SeamEdu, a state-of-the-art education academy that plans to offer courses in animation seemed a little more justified, given her added qualificationsof a high profile educational background and love of animation. “I have a great interest in animation and I happy to be a part of something so educational. I feel someday we are going to have state-of-the-art technology better than Hollywood,” says Patel.

The runaway bride of the bridal issue of Verve magazine is very positive about the latest range of animation movies that have caught the directors' eyes in Bollywood. In fact Patel was extremely pleased when a special two-minute animation film featuring her, prepared by experts at SeamEdu was shown to her. "Animation is a great and interesting format. In fact I learnt my Amar Chitra Katha series through its animated version," says Patel. Giving her views on the no- star factor of animated films, the actress strongly opines, "You don't always need a star to make the film work. We don't make the films. It is films that make us." However the actor who enjoys watching animated films and names Bal Ganesh and Bal Hanuman as her favourites, feels that cartoons can never replace real life characters although they may enjoy as much importance.

Patel, who has also tried her hands at Tamil and Telugu films seemed very upbeat about her forthcoming releases, Chatur Singh Two Staar opposite Sanjay Dutt and Run Bhola Run, in which she teams up with Govinda. Talking about Chatur Singh Two Staar, she says, "This film is a laugh riot where I play the lady love of Sanjay Dutt. If Munnabhai MBBS made Sanjay popular as Munnabhai, then this film will make him popular as Chatur Singh." After playing the typical mainstream roles and some cameo roles, the glamorous actress now wants to be a part of historic films and also do negative roles. Ask the Kaho Na Pyaar Hai girl about her Diwali plans and instantly comes the expected reply, “I was so caught up with my shootings that I didn't get any time to plan something special for Diwali. Once I get back to Mumbai may be I'll plan something special.”

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