The only way from here is up: Ameesha Patel

New Delhi: Ameesha Patel has been missing from the big screen for a while now with her career hitting rock bottom but the actress, who recently launched her own production house, says she is all set to begin a new phase in life.

The 36-year-old, who was last seen in an item number in ‘Thoda Pyar Thoda Magic’ (2008) is producing two films this year and has signed on to star in three – ‘Bhaiyyaji Superhit’, ‘Race 2’ and ‘Shortcut Romeo’. "The only way from here would be up, up and up. I have got a new lease of life and I am going to make the most out of it. I am a fighter and am here to stay," Ameesha told PTI. The actress has signed on big names like David Dhawan and Priyadarshan to direct films for her banner and Ameesha says she is also going to star in her own productions. "It is going to be busy days ahead since I would be acting in both my productions. There has been so much goodwill that I have earned in the industry during last 10 years. I am making films now and I couldn`t have settled for anything but the best. "Also in our production house we have a clear vision that we would give directors whatever they need. There won`t be any compromises. We won`t be following trends, we would be creating them," she added. While David Dhawan`s film would be an out and out masala comedy, Priyadarshan`s film would be a comedy with elements of drama in it as well. Buzz is that in the David Dhawan film, Ameesha would be enacting the role of a prostitute. For someone who is aiming at making a comeback, isn`t that a risk to be seen in an unconventional role for a leading lady? "But then I have not quite followed the rule book right through my career. In my early years as well I had no qualms playing a mother in `Ankahee`. Then I also went grey in `Humraaz`. Also, how many actresses would have willingly got into the kind of mode as I did in `Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic` or `Honeymoon Travels Pvt Ltd.`? "I believe in being an actor and really get bored if someone asks me to step into a film for just three songs and two scenes," said Ameesha. The actress isn`t too pleased with the way many of her contemporaries have gone ahead and tried building a career in Bollywood. "I don`t see any reason why one should go ahead and wear a bikini just for the sake of it. I didn`t want to do that but I see that today it has become a trend. It seems that many out there are just going to gym and then coming in front of the camera. But my question is - Where is acting here? You know, these are the kind of things that make you feel dejected." Meanwhile, Ameesha has pretty much managed to strike a balance in life. While she is happy to forge a business partnership with her friend Kunal Goomer, she has also left behind her break up with Kanav Puri. "It has been a couple of years since we moved on. I guess some things work out and some don`t. Most of the times we were not together since he was overseas. I have realised that long distance relationships aren`t easy to maintain," she said. PTI