Source: DNA India
Date: January 29, 2008
Director Ashutosh Gowariker reveals why only the duo could have been his Jodhaa Akbar to Farhana Farook. Ashutosh Gowariker’s 16th century love tale between Emperor Akbar and the Rajput princess Jodhaa, titled Jodhaa Akbar, to be released around Valentine’s Day, resounds the truth that love not only cuts across continents but also centuries.
Demystifying love
Goad him to explain what made the maker of the patriotic Lagaan and the nationalist Swades, dwell on a love lore and Ashutosh explains, “Love is a universal emotion, just like patriotism or nationalism. I’m very romantic too. The marriage between Akbar (Hrithik Roshan) and Jodhaa (Aishwarya Rai), a political alliance, 450 years ago fascinated me. How they came to discover, respect and love each other forms the crux of my film. If you compare the 16th C with the scenario today, there’s a resonance,” adding, “The film is about a ruler who came from a dynasty outside India, but was born here. He felt he belonged here. That makes him a patriot.”
Joys of the journey
While he has worked with top stars from Aamir Khan (Lagaan), Shah Rukh Khan (Swades) to Hrithik in this period chronicle, it is apparent that Ashutosh veers away from the formulaic. “I’m idealistic about what cinema should convey. It excites me to tell a story and within that to entertain and provide a message. If I submit to norms, the process wouldn’t be as satisfying.”
My Akbar, my Jodhaa
Ask him what impressed him about Hrithik and Ashutosh says, “Playing Akbar requires immense detailing. A certain responsibility came with it. Hrithik’s ability to analyse and understand the emotion of the character in each situation and translate it on screen is tremendous.”
Quiz Ashutosh, who had messaged Aishwarya saying, “Will you be my Jodhaa?” what made him confident about his queen and he says, “She is naturally regal apart from being a good actor. Her persona is that of a quintessential princess.” And what did he find most beautiful about her? He points out, “Her compassion makes her beautiful. In times of stress she puts in her two words. That’s comforting.”
Passion play
About the pair’s much discussed chemistry, Ashutosh says, “Their give and take, action and reaction blends so well. They share a beautiful chemistry. The ability to see a couple on screen and believe that they are in love can come across only through their performances. Hrithik and Aishwarya never had to work on it.” While he’s excited about the film’s release, Ashutosh can’t help confessing, “Three years have just flown by. I’ve been living in the 1560s for too long.”