October News 2007

60 lakhs for a chopper
October 29, 2007
Hrithik spent 60 lakhs for a hired chopper he used for commuting to the Jodhaa Akbar sets in Karjat,

For commuting to the 'Jodhaa Akbar' sets in Karjat, when the shoot was on, Hrithik Roshan had hired a personal chopper service. The bill, that he settled from his own pocket, ended up being a whopping Rs 60 lakhs! The star's filmmaker father, Rakesh Roshan confirmed the news, "We have issued cheques worth Rs 60 lakhs for it." The Bollywood superhero had taken the air-route option to visit his Jodhaa Akbar sets at Karjat's ND studios situated 100 kms from Mumbai from earlier this year in February. He found it more viable to commute via a chopper as it saved him 3 hours daily. He would catch the chopper from the Juhu aerodrome that's quiet near his house in Mumbai.

It would take just 20 minutes for him to reach his location. This would help him spend some quality time with wife Suzzanne and son, Hrehaan. Though it was heard that the film's producers UTV had offered to pay this amount he had declined it saying this was his personal choice. Generally it is a norm in Bollywood that actors charge daily 'petrol money' to their film producers for commuting to the film sets while shooting. But the Bollywood super hero, it is learnt from his close friends, finds this a "disgusting habit".

New Acer ad
October 29, 2007
Manish has captured Hrithik's new Acer commercial, download here

JA trailer online on Nov 9
October 29, 2007
The official Jodhaa-Akbar website has been updated, director Ashutosh Gowariker has posted a message on the official Jodhaa-Akbar website saying that the trailer will be online on November 9, a discussion board will also be launched on the same day.

Hrithik won MTV Style awards
October 26, 2007
Hrithik won three awards at the Lycra MTV Style Awards for Stylish Person In A Film, Stylish New Look and Stylish Body and also got a fourth one with Aishwarya Rai for the Most Stylish Couple in Dhoom 2. Hrithik thanked his stylist saying that that was where the award really belonged. Some photos from India Times, Indiaglitz, Radiosargam, Santabanta.

29th anniversary of Mukta Arts
October 26, 2007
Hrithik, Sussanne and Rakesh Roshan attended the 29th anniversary of Mukta Arts.

Hrithik and Sussanne expecting again
October 23, 2007
Rakesh Roshan has confirmed that Hrithik and Sussanne are expecting their second child due in mid 2008, congratulations to the happy family

Dassera was extra special for the Roshan family this year. Sussanne is pregnant for the second time. Hrithik is ecstatic that his two-year-old son Hrehaan will soon have a sibling. Rakesh Roshan admits, "Yes one more Roshan is arriving. We just got to hear the news and are thrilled." When asked if he wants a grandson or a granddaughter he adds, "It doesn't matter if we have a grandson or a granddaughter. A daughter is like Lakshmi to us. Anything is welcome as long as the baby is healthy and fine." Roshan reveals that Sussanne will deliver next year. "The baby is due mid next year."

A source close to the family says Hrithik wanted another baby to add to the family, as he believes that siblings should not have a huge age gap between them. Hrithik is very close to his sister Sunaina and she is two years older to him. At Hrehaan's birthday bash in March this year, a lot of guests asked Hrithik if he wanted another kid. The answer is now out there. Says a source close to the family, "Hrithik dotes on Hrehaan. He really enjoys being a dad. When people asked him if there would be an addition to the family he didn't deny it and just smiled. Sussanne too is now ready for motherhood a second time. With Hrehaan turning two, she is less occupied than before and this seemed like a perfect time."

Interview with Hrithik
October 23, 2007
Manish has posted a scan of a new interview with Hrithik in Mumbai Times.

Those Mughlai delays
October 23, 2007
Looks like shooting of Jodha Akbar is not done yet, reports say that Hrithik will resume shooting some dramatic scenes and a song in a few days and will be soon joined by Aishwarya and others

According to a source, a series of differences have cropped up between Gowariker and Screwvala ever since the production costs crossed Rs 50 crore. The pending work may add another Rs 5 crore to the budget. "Ashutosh did try to keep a check on the expenditure but the props and properties at times were not grand enough," says the source. Surprisingly, frequently during the shoot, the scenes with dialogue were ready only on the morning of the shoot. "That gave Hrithik (Roshan) little time to learn the lines and the pronunciation before going on the sets. Even after he reported on the sets, the dialogue could be changed. So many factors added up the delay in the film's completion," the source reveals.

It's said that Gowariker didn't allow the actors to check their scenes on the monitor after a take.. but after a point of time, Hrithik was frustrated with the way things were going and began checking his takes. Seems all the dates committed by Aishwarya Rai and Hrithik have been exhausted and they're giving additional time to complete the epic. "Some dramatic scenes and a song remain to be filmed on Hrithik and Aishwarya... which is why the sets at N D Studios haven't been dismantled. Hrithik will resume shooting in a few days and will be soon joined by Aishwarya and others," says the source. With so much work pending, it seems as if Jodhaa Akbar might just about make it for release on January 25 next year. "Even a week's delay is unacceptable. Ashutosh is leaving nothing to chance in his race to complete the film," the source concludes.

Video Download: Hrithik at Bina Goenka`s jewelry boutique launch
October 21, 2007
Hrithik and Sussanne attended the launch of Bina Goenka`s jewelry boutique, download Hrithik's part only here. See photos from India Times, Indiaglitz, Radiosargam, Santabanta

Video Download: Hollywood beckons Hrithik
October 21, 2007
Times Now has video clip of Hrithik's comments on his deal with with Brad Pitt's Management company -- Brillstein Grey Entertainment, download here

While rumours were rife that Hrithik Roshan was all set to spread his wings to Hollywood shores, the actor himself admitted to Times Now in a candid confession :"If I get a script that really looks good, then I will," said Hrithik. And it seems that the junior Roshan is going the Hollywood way in style as actor Brad Pitt's management company of 20 years -- Brillstein Grey Entertainment -- have set their eyes on the actor and are all set to look after Hrithik's career in Hollywood.

Elaborating further on his proposed Hollywood venture, Hrithik said:"I have a team that's working for it and nothing has really come about as of now. There is nothing concrete right now, so I can't speak about it." It's learnt that Motion Picture Studios in Hollywood and A-list filmmakers were rolling out the red carpet and were making a beeline for Hrithik, however, the muscled hunk was waiting for the perfect offer to come along.

Meanwhile, Jai Khanna, Brillstein Grey Entertainment said:"We are thrilled to be working with such an international star. Hrithik has a strong, authentic and cool personality and as an icon of masculinity and powerful character, he truly embodies the star quality of cinema's leading men."

Hrithik takes one more step towards Hollywood
October 19, 2007
Indiafm reports that 'Brillstein-Grey', Brad Pitt's management of over 20 years, has now signed Hrithik. No official word from the Roshan camp.

Hrithik's new International manager, Jai Khanna from Brillstein-Grey confirms, "We are thrilled to be working with such an international star. Hrithik has a strong, authentic, and cool personality. As an icon of masculinity and powerful character, he truly embodies the star quality of cinema's great leading men." Jai further comments on Hrithik's star power, "Audiences have repeatedly flocked to his films throughout India, Asia and a number of other countries. We are excited to now introduce Hrithik to the US, thus giving his unique talents a much larger platform."

Jodha Akbar's music will satisfy critics, music lovers: Rahman
October 17, 2007
AR Rahman talked about the music for Jodhaa Akbar

"Jodha Akbar is a romantic story about a king falling in love with a princess and I have tried to keep the music contemporary so that it satisfies both critics and the music lovers," he says. "The music of the film is very much what is required for the film. We have celebration songs and quawallis," he adds. Rahman, who composed the music of Subhash Ghei's 'Kisna' is once again paring up with the director in his latest flick, 'Yuvraaj'. "Yuvraaj is a very challenging project. We had a hard time composing the first two songs but now as those have been cracked, we hope we will be able to wrap it up quickly," he says.

Lean & leaner Hrithik Roshan
October 17, 2007
Hrithik is looking more leaner than ever and said it's due to his work

Ask Hrithik Roshan what he is up to these days and the answer is "work, work and more work. I have been really busy with Jodhaa Akbar". And when will people get to see that work on screen? "Every good thing makes you wait. Well, the movie is finally over and I am glad about that. It took its time because we were aiming for perfection," he says. After achieving 'perfection', is he sure that he has a winner on his hands? "The promos have got a good response and that is the first battle won. However, it is difficult to predict something like this and I don't easily jump to conclusions. I just hope that after seeing the film, the audience will feel that it was worth the wait," he says.

For that the audience will surely have to wait, but the amount of weight he has lost for the film is for all to see. And then we see him biting in some chocolate at Choko La! So, finally it is time to indulge? "You can allow yourself to indulge in stuff like this once in a while. What you have to account for is the maintenance. One has to work out and make sure that the calories are burnt. If you know how to take care of your health then you have the right to indulge," he says. But isn't he looking a little too lean these days? "Well I don't how I am looking these days. I don't look at myself in that perspective," he laughs. So, who is the centre of attraction for him? "Hrehaan, but of course!"

JA trailer review
October 17, 2007
Another review of Jodhaa Akbar trailer

A deep convincing empathy could have been the only reason why Hrithik Roshan so perfectly fits in the grandeur and embodies the existence of Akbar badshah. He sheds all that Hrithik Roshan has and absorbs all that the badshah had; the power of swords and wars in his blood. Simply unbelievable! What we saw of Hrithik and Aishwarya in Dhoom 2 was probably just the beginning of one of the most amazing chemistries on screen. Jodhaa Akbar shows you the whole film! The crackling chemistry goes one step further and engraves itself among the bests. Full review

Interview with Ashutosh
October 17, 2007
There are video interviews with Ashutosh talking about Jodhaa Akbar from Media Curry and ANI, thanks to gidgetong and Hrithik Fan for the tips. India Times also has an interview with the director speaking at length on Jodhaa Akbar.

Do you think the star presence will overshadow the film?
When you see the film you'll forget that you're watching Hrithik and Aishwarya onscreen. You will only keep Jodhaa and Akbar in mind. When I imagined the story what came to me easily is the cast, I knew Hrithik would be right as Akbar, and Aishwarya would be perfect as Jodhaa. I approached both of them keeping only them in mind. So we called them and did a make up test and they were perfect for the roles. Thankfully they've been very dedicated to us. Full interview

Hrithik keen on getting inked
October 15, 2007
Hrithik found tattoos quite cool and even discussed the idea of getting one for himself with stylist Gavin Miguel

Stylist Gavin Miguel has worked closely with Hritik Roshan over the last few years styling, dressing him up for various shoots. "He has a huge international appeal and is truly one of the few actors who loves experimenting with his looks," says Gavin. Recently, Gavin styled Hrithik for the menswear brand John Players. Talking about it, he says, "Hrithik was totally involved in the shoot right from the conception stage. He's some one who loves to discuss and ideate before beginning the shoot." Interestingly, one of the looks had Hrithik sporting a huge tattoo on his arm. Gavin says, "I wanted to give Hrithik a totally new look. It had to be something people would sit up and notice.

Video Download: JA trailer release - NDTV
October 15, 2007
NDTV has a short comment from Hrithik about the release of the Jodhaa Akbar trailer, download here

Jodhaa-Akbar is 80 percent my imagination: Gowariker
October 15, 2007
An interview with director Ashutosh Gowariker where he talked about Jodhaa Akbar

Q: What made you cast Hrithik and Aishwarya as Jodha and Akbar?
A: There's a certain royal quality to Hrithik's face and body language. He's just amazing in those aspects. As for Aishwarya, she's to me the quintessential princess - straight out of Amar Chitra Katha, the distressed princess waiting in her chamber. Aishwarya has the elegance and, of course, the beauty. Calling her beautiful is an understatement. Though we've seen her in so many avatars, as Jodha she's something else. Hrithik and Ash are amazing together. Full interview

Jodhaa-Akbar is 80 percent my imagination: Gowariker
October 15, 2007
An interview with director Ashutosh Gowariker where he talked about Jodhaa Akbar

His much-talked-about period drama "Jodhaa-Akbar" is a film that director Ashutosh Gowariker describes as a fusion of history and his imagination. He denies any resemblance with K. Asif's magnum opus "Mughal-e-Azam".

"Without explaining what I'm doing, I'll say I'm not competing with 'Mughal-e-Azam' at all. 'Jodhaa-Akbar' is not a remake of any film. I'm making my own discoveries about the central love story as seen through the eyes of history. I hope to carry the burden lightly," he said.

"The background is steeped in history. But the characters are mine. No one knows how Jodha or Akbar behaved. I've to imagine their romance, the palace and harem politics. I'd say 20 percent is history, 80 percent is my imagination," Gowariker added.

Talking about the lead actors, Aishwarya Rai and Hrithik Roshan, he said: "There's a certain royal quality to Hrithik's face and body language. As for Aishwarya, she's to me the quintessential princess - straight out of Amar Chitra Katha - the distressed princess waiting in her chamber. Though we've seen her in so many avatars, as Jodha she's something else. Hrithik and Ash are amazing together."

Excerpts:

Q: How different is "Jodhaa-Akbar" from K. Asif's "Mughal-e-Azam"?

A: That you'll have to see. Without explaining what I'm doing, I'll say I'm not competing with "Mughal-e-Azam" at all. It's a mountain of a classic. No one can surpass it. "Jodhaa-Akbar" is not a remake of any film. I'm making my own discoveries about the central love story as seen through the eyes of history. I hope to carry the burden lightly.

Q: What made you cast Hrithik and Aishwarya as Jodha and Akbar?

A: There's a certain royal quality to Hrithik's face and body language. He's just amazing in those aspects. As for Aishwarya, she's to me the quintessential princess - straight out of Amar Chitra Katha, the distressed princess waiting in her chamber. Aishwarya has the elegance and, of course, the beauty. Calling her beautiful is an understatement. Though we've seen her in so many avatars, as Jodha she's something else. Hrithik and Ash are amazing together.

Q: What about the objections raised by the animal welfare board?

A: I've been in touch with them and I've all the required permissions with details of how many animals I'm using, and how many are livestock. I've specified in my letter that I'm using 69 elephants, 50 camels and 100 horses. Every four hours the animals are given a rest period. A member of the animal welfare board visits the sets. I wanted everything worked out on paper. But I have to know beforehand what I am not supposed to do. Suppose I'm suddenly informed that the mukhiya from "Lagaan" can't be shown smoking, I can't do much about it.

Q: Do you think the ban on showing actors smoking is a killer for filmmakers?

A: It depends. In "Jodhaa-Akbar" Emperor Humayun smoked the hookah. You can't tell me that I can't show him smoking. That's history. And I'm being allowed that.

Q: Are you using authentic jewellery of the Mughal period?

A: Yes, we're recreating the authentic jewellery of that period based on the miniature paintings of Rajasthan. Jodha and Akbar's jewellery has to look as it did in that era. Today's jewellery is cut in a different way. We had several designers on the job. And Neeta Lulla has designed the whole cast's look - Hrithik, Aishwarya and the soldiers.

Q: If you don't get the Mughal history right, the historians might clobber your film.

A: That's the first thing I did. I met a whole lot of historians. The research helped me to arrive at a place where my imagination was completely unfettered. I'm sure of one thing. I'm not making a historical document. At the end of the day "Jodhaa-Akbar" has to be a good story told in an interesting manner. I don't want to make a biopic.

The background is steeped in history. But the characters are mine. No one knows how Jodha or Akbar behaved. I've to imagine their romance, the palace and harem politics. I'd say 20 percent is history 80 percent is my imagination.

Q: Are you ready to deal with the purists?

A: When I met the eminent historian Irfan Habib of Aligarh University he heard my plot. He thought it was a fabulous idea. He told me to forget about history or else I won't be able to make my film. Then I had script sessions with the Maharani and Maharaja of Jaipur who are the direct descendents of Jodha. They did the film's mahurat at the Jaipur City Palace.

I've also met historians from Jamia Millia and Mumbai University and I've got the well-known Omar Khayyam Saharanpuri as my cultural advisor. They are experts on the subject of Akbar's own secular religious order Din-e-Ilahi.

Q: What about the Hindu-Muslim love story?

A: I don't think of my characters as religious entities. I think of them as my two protagonists whose love went beyond all considerations. I can't allow my vision to be coloured by these considerations. If in 1562, when my romance eventuates, political and religious undertones do resonate, then I won't try to stop them. But these are not my primary concerns as a filmmaker.

Q: There's a growing feeing that costume dramas don't work at the box office.

A: To me the period is not relevant. The story has to connect with me emotionally, romantically and dramatically. Besides, how many films set in the present times work? So, if I've to fail, I might as well do so while doing what I want to do.

Jodhaa Akbar trailer reviews
October 11, 2007
Rave reviews of Jodhaa-Akbar theatrical trailer from various sources, is it January yet?

From IndiaFM: Spectacular is a small word to define the theatrical trailer of Jodhaa Akbar. For one hasn't seen such opulent grandeur in a long time. Right from the first frame till the last of this three and a half minute trailer, the efforts that seem to have gone into this love story or the “marriage of alliance” between one of the most charismatic Mughal rulers and the princess of arch rivals Rajputs, is simply unbelievable.

There were doubts whether Hrithik Roshan would be able to suit a historical. But it's not him that you see wielding swords of power or provoking the battle-hungry elephant. It's Akbar. As for Aishwarya, well, it can safely be said that after Salman Khan, the crackling chemistry she shares with Roshan junior is the stuff that shall be talked about fifty years from now.

One can make out from the promo that Jodhaa Akbar is steeped in political conspiracies of India of five hundred years ago in the backdrop of a grand love story. Jodhaa is a strong woman who is well versed with sword fighting, yet there's an ethereal quality about her that succumbs to the winking-charms of young 'Azeem-o-Shaan Shahenshah' Akbar. The giant opposition to their union stands on the pedestal of the Hindu-Muslim union which is attributed as being unlucky.

There are gigantic scenes of war that make you compare them with some of the best historicals of all times where everyone fights ferociously. Stinging arrows whiz past the ears and the air smells of raw blood. Palaces are rife with intrigues and vily insinuations. The promo ends symbolically with Jodhaa written in Hindi (supposedly the language of Hindus) and Akbar written in Urdu (A language supposedly spoken by Muslims).

Everything about Jodhaa Akbar reeks of wealth. Rich sets, the kind that can make any big Hollywood Production proud, made-to-detail jewellery that shimmers in your eyes instantaneously, the coquettish curtains that come in between two aching lovers, starched-n-creased costumes, real-life wigs-n-beards with no strand of hair disturbing the tranquility of perfection, crafty camerawork for it veers constantly taking surprising angles and a background score that is definitely larger than life. Marhaba!

Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya seem to have effortlessly fitted into the huge lahengas and sherwanis, but one actor that stands out is Ila Arun. Her vitriolic voice rings long after the promo has ended. Everything seems perfect about Jodhaa Akbar if you take the promo into account. But will it match K Asif's Mughal-e-Azam (yes there seems a genuine attempt to meet the colossal setting of the masterpiece filmed over a painstaking span of ten years), well that one can only say only after the movie releases on January 25th 2008. For now, relish the Jodhaa Akbar promo. You wouldn't have seen anything of this sort. Ever!

From Movie Talkies: A spectacular trailer that has rarely been witnessed in Indian cinema was unveiled by Ashutosh Gowariker and Ronnie Screwvala at a special preview with the entire nation’s media in attendance. The applause and appreciation was unanimous, and all that had been said about the film suddenly seemed less. A packed cinema hall with several more crowding in asked for an encore of the trailer, and the revealed faces of Jodhaa and Akbar were seen as standees and beautiful posters, a follow up to the teaser sent out earlier.

When Hrithik Roshan as Akbar declares “Hamle ke liye Tayyaar!” and you see the director’s super across the entire screen, there is an electrically charged atmosphere that is set around the viewer. What has the imaginative filmmaker come up with this time? Is it mounted on a grand canvas of the scale of Lagaan? Is it as heartfelt as Swades, the celluloid poem of a man’s love for his homeland? The answer is a resonating yes and more. Achieving spectacular visuals and a multitude of emotions with some sizzling romance at its heart, this is an ambitious production, possibly a landmark film that will set new standards for Indian cinema.

Roshan as Akbar appears majestic and handsome, be it in battle armour or rich silk. He wields the sword with great élan, and when not in battle, the star romances Aishwarya Rai’s Jodhaa with magnetic chemistry lighting the screen. Rai as Jodhaa is every bit a Rajput princess, beautiful in an angelic way but yet strong and defiant.

The montage dazzles you as you experience the full spectrum of this epic romance in quick cuts. From the scorching battlefield of Panipat to the grandiose palace of the Mughal emperor, from galloping horses and roaring elephants to the clanging of the duelling swords of Akbar and Jodhaa, from the rich costumes and exquisite jewellery to the microscopic detailing of the set design, the screen comes alive with power and amazing creativity. The trailer gives us a look into the palace intrigue and romance of the sixteenth century, and an insight into the story of the greatest Mughal emperor that ruled Hindustan, Jalaluddin Mohammed Akbar, and his marriage of alliance to the fiery princess Jodhaa. The Mughal and Rajput colour palettes have been carefully married, and the elaborate production design by Nitin Desai has a strong signature across the film. The cinematography by Kiiran Deohans is exquisite and the editing by Ballu Saluja sharp, with the visuals keeping perfect pace with the trailer soundtrack created by Rahman. The Azeem-O-Shaan Shahenshah theme tune is magical and Rahman is in true form, proving his genius yet again. When the final logo of Jodhaa Akbar comes on against a rich green brush-stroked plate, you wish there was a rewind button that you could go for in the cinema hall.

The only problem with such a trailer is that we are over three months away for the film to hit cinemas, if only Gowariker could prepone the release!

From Buzz 18: Grand! That’s the first thing coming to our minds after watching the Jodhaa Akbar promo. The trailer begins with a shot of Jodhaabai and Emperor Akbar getting married according to Hindu traditions. You see Aishwarya Rai dressed in bridal wear looking every bit the Rajput princess. Immediately the focus shifts to the battlefield and Hrithik charges onto the screen with a thundering war cry.

The battle scenes though inspired by Troy, 300, LOTR and many such Hollywood epics look authentic and come across as a worthy tribute rather than a tacky takeoff. Two armies charging towards each other from either ends of the screen, swords, armours, elephants… it's all there.

Towards the end there is some drama wherein there's a misunderstanding between the couple over the Rajput-Mughal clashes. Jodhabai imposes a purdah between her and Akbar. The promo wraps up with Hrithik's speech urging his soldiers to prevent evil forces from disintegrating India. All through there is a Rahmansque qawali-Marhaba playing in the background. Closing credits read 'From the director of Lagaan and Swades, an Ashutosh Gowariker film'.

Hrithik once again comes across as the star of the enterprise with his exceptional body language, especially in the sword fights. Ash gets a chance to use the swords too, but her traditional look is something we have seen in the Umrao Jaans and Devdas. The dialogues are intense and also perhaps a bit heavy. Also like most Gowariker films, the supporting cast consists of relatively unknown faces except for Ila Arun and Kulbhushan Kharbandha. On the whole this is a lavish project that is sure to generate a lot of buzz. Will it work? If Hrithik clicks, Jodhaa Akbar clicks. Period.

From Indicine: Ashutosh Gowarikar sure is a man of genius in art. His magnum opus epic movie Jodhaa Akbar’s promo was visually stunning and the background score is sure to take you by surprise. It does feel like a genuine attempt to meet the gigantic setting of the masterpiece Mughl-e-Azam by K Asif. Right from the first frame till the last of this three and a half minute trailer, the efforts that seem to have gone into this love story or the “marriage of alliance” between one of the most charismatic Mughal rulers and the princess of arch rivals Rajputs, is simply unbelievable.

The promo clearly reveals to us that Jodhaa Akbar deals in profundity about the political conspiracies of India that existed five hundred years ago in the backdrop of a grand love story. The gigantic war scene, the stinging arrows, the sounds of talwar striking reminds of the old classic historical. Palaces are rife with intrigues and vily insinuations. The promo ends symbolically with Jodhaa written in Hindi (supposedly the language of Hindus) and Akbar written in Urdu (A language supposedly spoken by Muslims).

Hrithik Roshan and Aishwaray Rai share a great chemistry with eachother. They both seem to have effortlessly fitted not just into the huge lahengas and sherwanis but into the real character as well. Will Hrithik Roshan’s Jodha Akbar go on to be a Classic Masterpiece? This we can judge only after the release of the movie on January 25th 2008. For now relish the promo. For now one has seen such a opulent grandeur in a long time. So far Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Saawariya was the talk of the town. But I m sure that Asuthosh epic Jodhaa Akbar will steal the show now.

Photos: Hrithik's new look for John Players
October 11, 2007
Some photos of Hrithik's new look for John Players.

Video: Jodhaa-Akbar trailer promo release
October 11, 2007
Ashutosh Gowariker and producer Ronnie Scrwvalla talked about the cast and the look of Jodhaa-Akbar at the promo release of the movie, download here

Video: Ashotosh Gowariker is ready with his magnum opus
October 11, 2007
Director Ashutosh Gowariker talks about behind the scenes of Jodhaa-Akbar, download here

Ashotosh Gowariker, the director of 'Lagaan' is ready with his magnum opus, 'Jodha Akbar'. Amrita Panja of TIMES NOW caught the director in a reflective mood. Here he tells TIMES NOW some stories of behind the scene.

Amrita Panja: From where did you get this courage to make a film as grand and opulent as this?
Ashotosh Gowariker: This is the story which I wanted to make right after 'Lagaan' but at that time I did not have the courage to make it because I thought production wise it needed alot of preparation.

Amrita Panja: Did you ever feel intimidated while making the film considering the fact that period films have not done well in recent times?
Ashotosh Gowariker: Well, I would rather say that contemporary films have not done too well in recent times. I don't think there is anything like period film, contemporary film or historical film. What matters is the story line. If your story works than the genre will also work.

Amrita Panja: Was Hrithik your first choice for the role of Akbar?
Ashotosh Gowariker: Absolutely, Hrithik and Ashwariya were both first choice for the role. Interestingly, at that time there was no 'Krrish' and 'Dhoom 2' so there was no barometer to know whether the pair will work or not. For me they were from the very beginning 'Jodha and Akabar'.

Amriata Panja: Did Ashwariya's wedding and her foreign projects in anyway hamper the progress of the film?
Ashotosh Gowariker: Not at all. While working on the film there were inbuilt gaps within the film because I had to work separatelywith Hrithik and Ashwariya. It was in these in-between gaps that she was working on or even her wedding that took place. Even for Hrithik his advertisements would take place within these inbuilt gaps. So I would say that if there is any delay then the delay is mine.

1125 Prints of Jodhaa Akbar trailer
October 11, 2007
A record-breaking 1125 prints of Jodhaa Akbar theatrical trailer will be released across the globe. Audiences worldwide will get their first look of the visuals of Jodhaa Akbar starting October 12. There will be a special exclusive preview screening of the trailer for media today at Adlabs, Film City, while the audience will now have more of an incentive to see this week's releases, Bhool Bhulaiyaa and Laga Chunari Mein Daag, as theaters will start playing the trailer from Friday.

Jodhaa Akbar started as a story narrated by Haidar Ali even before Swades; though Ashutosh found it exciting, he decided to take up the story post Swades as he realized that the grand spectacle the story supported needed time and an elaborate pre-production plan. The film went through a demanding pre-production prep, after which the story began filming on 6th November, 2006, in Rajasthan. Jodhaa Akbar is the story of the greatest Mughal emperor that ruled Hindustan, Jalaluddin Mohammad Akbar, and the fiery young Rajput princess, Jodhaa.

Set in the sixteenth century, this epic romance begins as a marriage of alliance between two cultures and religions, for political gain, with King Bharmal of Amer giving his daughter's hand to Emperor Akbar. When Akbar accepts the marriage proposal, little does he know that in his efforts to strengthen his relations with the Rajputs, he would in turn be embarking on a new journey – the journey of true love. From the battlefield where the young Jalaluddin was crowned, through the conquests that won him the title of Akbar the Great, to winning the love of the beautiful Jodhaa, Jodhaa Akbar traces the impressive graph of the mighty emperor and his romance with the defiant princess.

With Hrithik Roshan as Akbar and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan as Jodhaa, this grand spectacle is produced by Ronnie Screwvala and Ashutosh Gowariker, and will release in cinemas worldwide on 25th January, 2008.

Ash and Hrithik as Jodhaa Akbar
October 11, 2007
A review of Ash and Hrithik's looks in a new Jodhaa Akbar poster

Aishwarya in no angle looks like any of what she has done before, neither the Dhoom's 'R U checking me out?' nor the Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam's Nandini. One look at her and you are bound to rush to your history books to recall this face. Such is the impact of her get-up. She does not even have to utter a word, coz' her mesmerising eyes do all the talking. In short, everything about her is just sooooo perfect!

And as far as Hrithik is concerned, less said the better, coz' one just cannot improve perfection. All that one can say about this man is that he can not only defy gravity, but also history and its characters! Keeping the exaggeration factor aside, if one has to speak a few words about him, then, the most fitting tribute to this man in this film would be that 'Akbar has got a face in Hrithik'. All in all, one is simply left wondering if a mere poster can do so many miracles at the same time, imagine what an entire 3-hour movie can do!

Jodha-Akbar's first look out this weekend
October 11, 2007
Ashutosh Gowariker talks about the release date for Jodha-Akbar and he still has one song to shoot.

Director Ashutosh Gowariker finally breathes a sigh of relief as the theatrical trailer of his period love story Jodha-Akbar, starring Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai, will be unveiled this weekend. "It's been a gruelling but rewarding time. I've been virtually sleeping on the sets. But, finally, we've zeroed-in on Jan 25 as the release date," Gowariker said. "It's a good week because we get the full three-day holiday weekend, Republic Day and all."

"It just seems like the right moment. It's a pity we couldn't make it on schedule on Oct 12." The director, who earlier made acclaimed films like Lagaan and Swades, still has one song to shoot, which he will do as soon as Aishwarya returns from Boston after shooting her Pink Panther movie. The epic's postponement has given two other biggish films Laaga Chunari Mein Daag and Bhool Bhulaiyaa a chance to get released on this Friday, just ahead of Eid.

"We aren't attaching the trailer to any of the two films," informed the director. "It goes into theatres independently." But it is just a coincidence that the Jodha-Akbar trailer is being released during the same week that the film was earlier supposed to release? "You can call it a pleasant coincidence," said the director.

Best ever special appearance by Hrithik Roshan
October 11, 2007
India Target reports that Hrithik will make a very special appearance in Luck By Chance. The role is something that will stand out in the list of best ever guest appearances made in Bollywood.

'Krrish 3' will have powerful villain: Rakesh Roshan
October 10, 2007
Director Rakesh Roshan says the villain's character in 'Krrish 3' will be as powerful as Hrithik's character.

'This time the anti-hero will be as powerful as the hero. See, 'Krrish' saw the birth of the superhero. Now we'll see the superhero combating other forces,' Rakesh Roshan told IANS. In 'Krrish', veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah had played the villain. Rakesh is currently busy creating his first production for an outside director.

'Krrish 3' is presently in the scripting stage. 'I can't focus on more than one project at a time. Maybe that's my weakness. We're working on the script. The story has to be just right. The plot has to be inspiring. I've to get that gut feeling that the plot is right. The special effects aren't the main thing...the plot is. Until I'm happy with that I won't start 'Krissh 3'.

'Let's face it, we can't match 'Spiderman 3' in budget. But if they give 10 action scenes I'll do two with equal finesse. We've to out do them in content and count on Indian audiences being more interested in Hrithik than Tobey Maguire,' the director said. Rakesh Roshan agrees 'Dhoom 2' and 'Krrish' have taken Hrithik far ahead of competition. 'Luckily, he had a big success outside the home production. So now people have stopped saying he's workable only with me. Of course, we will always work together. No director understands him better than me, and he knows it. Our three films together have built a track record for ourselves. I've just seen some photographs of 'Jodha-Akbar'. Hrithik is looking terrific.'

At home, grandson Hrehaan keeps Rakesh Roshan busy. 'Nothing gives me more pleasure than watching Hrithik and Hrehaan playing together. And since I've no movie on the floors right now I've all the time in the world to spend with him. 'We celebrated Hrehaan's first birthday recently. Seeing all those children in the house ... he was so surprised and delighted. I could see he was having a good time. Hrehaan is a very pleasant child.'

Asked whom Hrehaan resembled, he said: 'Both his parents...actually more of his mother Susanne than Hrithik.' He says that god has been very kind to him and his family. 'I'm not in competition with anyone. I just shut my eyes and ears to all the unhealthy competition in the industry. Nobody can make or break you. It's only your karma that guides your destiny.'

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