The grand historical features Hrithik Roshan as Emperor Akbar and Aishwarya Rai as Jodhabhai and touted as prequel to blockbuster Mughal-e-Azam. The film confines itself to the period before Akbar reached the age of 27 and their son Salim was born.
Speaking with CNN-IBN Idol-Chat host Rajeev Masand, Ashutosh revealed that his actor friend Hyder Ali had given him the story idea for Jodha-Akbar a few years ago. The idea stuck in his mind even though he got busy with other projects.
Although much is written about Akbar the Great, very less has been written about Jodhabhai in texts, giving way to controversies. However Ashutosh is focusing on the love story and he has consulted professors of Jamia Milia Islamia and the direct descendants of Jodhabai. Ashutosh will also touch upon how Jodhabhai became the head queen after their marriage.
Ashutosh will both direct and produce the film and it has been reported that AR Rehman will provide the musical score while Javed Akhtar will pen the lyrics.