Were you worried about the film being a historical? Some people in the film industry may worry that a historical film may not be able to draw a large number of viewers?
I knew from the start that Jodhaa Akbar was not going to offer history lessons. I had watched Ashutosh's films, and wondered if we would work together some day. I trust him completely. I knew he was making a historical but history is just a background for an intriguing love story between two powerful people. I also thought the film has a contemporary edge to it.
What is contemporary about it?
The film is about the courageous decision a Rajput princess makes in marrying the enemy of her people. It needed incredible strength and courage for Jodha to make the decision in the interest of her people. Later, she worked very hard to make sure the relationship succeeded.
In India, despite the concept of love marriages we have in urban centres, arranged marriages take place everyday. I would think 90 percent of all marriages in India are arranged in one way or the other. My parents and my brother also had arranged marriages. Many of these people have to work hard and use their emotional resources to make their marriages work.
You look at Jodha and Akbar in the film and start thinking: they came together not under the happiest circumstances and yet, their marriage worked.
The film offers insights into relationships that are relevant today. Jodha and Akbar took great risks in their relationship. This film shows what might have gone in their minds and how they might have negotiated their life's journey.
Also read: 'Ash is Jodha, reincarnated'
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