Aishwarya Rai

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.”