At the outset, Ashutosh Gowarikar confesses that after making a social film like ‘Swades', he made a historical like ‘Jodhaa Akbar' because he was excited when Hyder Ali who has written the story of ‘Jodhaa Akbar' narrated the subject to him even before he had launched ‘Swades.'

"Though I did find the subject quite exciting, I decided to take up the story only post ‘Swades' since I realized that the grand spectacle needed time and also an elaborate production.

Hence I launched ‘Jodhaa Akbar' only after ‘Swades' after a demanding pre-production preparation, on November 2006 in Rajasthan."

‘Jodhaa Akbar', according to Ashutosh, is the story of the greatest Mughal emperor who 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 different cultures and religions, for political gain, with King Bharmal of Ajmer giving his daughter's hand to Emperor Akbar.

I have set out to show how the marriage of alliance happens between Jodhaa and Akbar and love evolves between them after marriage. I felt it was necessary to film it because it was a special alliance between the Rajputs and the Muslims.

It was only after a lot of research for almost three years did I decide to go on the floors. ‘Jodhaa Akbar' is my first attempt at making a romantic film. Romance fascinates me. What intrigued me was how Jodhaa and Akbar married without knowing each other."

Ashutosh confesses that when he started imagining as to who would suit the roles, he did not have to look far. "It was a dream cast to have Hrithik and Aishwarya. It was not at all my intention to cash in on the success of their star pairing in ‘Dhoom 2' because I did not cast them after I watched' Dhoom 2.'

People will forget that they are Hrithik and Aishwarya when they watch ‘Jodhaa Akbar' as it unfolds because both have dedicated themselves to create the characters that they etch in the film."

Ashutosh admits that there is no method or process as such when he sets out to make a film. "There is no analysis as such before I take up a subject.

When a particular subject excites me, I take it up to film as a director, whether it is a nationalistic film like ‘Lagaan' or a patriotic film like ‘Swades' or for that matter a romantic film like ‘Jodhaa Akbar.'

As a film-maker, I do not look back and analyze why a film of mine has clicked or flopped. I do not let my success or failure bog me when I decide to launch my next film because I make it a point to focus on my new subject and do not worry whether I will be able to match up to my earlier films like ‘Lagaan' or for that matter ‘Swades.'

I do not believe that any particular genre will work on its own. It is only the story telling that works. Romance is the most important aspect of ‘Jodhaa Akbar.' If romance appeals to every one, then ‘Jodhaa Akbar' will work.

I have never given undue importance to box office success or failure. Also I don't make judgments based on the past success or failure."

Says Ashutosh, "Jodhaa Akbar will not be yet another ‘Mughal E Azam' as a child, I have watched Prithvirajji in ‘Mughal E Azam.' His was an incredibly baffling performance of the time.

Ï have not set out to outdo ‘Mughal E Azam' because I feel classics like ‘Mughal E Azam' ought not to be touched. I do not think people will remember Prithvirajji when they watch Hrithik play the role of Akbar because we have worked hard on Hrithik's looks based on his persona and ultimately an actor brings himself to the fore when he essays his character in his own inimitable way.

‘Jodhaa Akbar' will deal with Akbar from the time he was just a thirteen year old till he was twenty-eight.

From the battle field 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' will trace the impressive graph of the mighty emperor and his romance with the defiant princess Jodhaa." -Jyothi Venkatesh