Jodhaa Akbar is again slated for a new release date. The movie has missed its previous two release dates. Moreover, indecision over the music launch also created some problems. Finally, the music launch ceremony took place in January 9 2008. Here are some latest news of Jodhaa Akbar.
Jodhaa Akbar: interview of Ashutosh Gowariker
Since the day of shooting Jodhaa Akbar, Ashutosh Gowariker has been facing many problems. First, the legal issues with the animal rights group and the Rajput Sabha; then, the hectic schedule and ill health. Finally, Jodhaa Akbar is going to release on 15th February, one day after the Valentines day. In this interview, Ashutosh clarifies all the rumors that spread out about Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Hritihik Roshan. Sify.com reports:
Q: Is it true that a company dumped the music of Jodhaa-Akbar?
A: It's true that we were looking at an association with Big Music. But we didn't agree on certain rights issues for the music, so we parted. UTV Music, a label that Ronnie Screwvala wanted to start later during the year, was launched in a hurry to release the Jodhaa-Akbar music. We had the music release function Jan 9. The (erstwhile) Maharani of Jaipur, Rani Padmini, who's a direct descendent of Jodhabai, and her husband flew down to release the music.
Q: Is it true you're cutting two of the songs?
A: No. There're only five songs recorded for Jodhaa-Akbar. And we've retained all of them. I treasure every song that I record and wouldn't dream of cutting them for length. Even if we had nine songs, only two would wind their way into the charts. Though we've five songs, I've worked on making each hummable.
Q: How do you think the younger generation would react to the music?
A: The response to the first two songs has been surprisingly positive. People were expecting archaic songs, but they liked the modern adaptation of 16th century sounds.
Q: The songs were never made to blare at pubs. Never targeted at the youngsters?
A: Why do you say that? When Pyar kiya to darna kya was created, it was youngsters who were throwing coins on the screen. When Dev Saab (Dev Anand) sang Khoya khoya chand, it was the young who swooned. And when Shammi Kapoor said Yahoo, it was the young who responded. I'd say the film comes first. Whatever emerges from it should be suitably marketed. The music of Jodhaa-Akbar can't be bhangra and hip-hop. Just because the film has Aishwarya, please don't expect an introductory song and dance. It's not a star vehicle. It's about the characters. I'm showcasing Jodha and Akbar.
Q: Have you injured yourself?
A: No, I strained my back while lifting a heavy bag.
Q: Did the bag contain Hrithik?
A: (Laughed) Well Hrithik, Aishwarya and I have certainly been carrying an awesome burden on our shoulders. I'd like to compare my struggle to release Jodhaa-Akbars to a videogame where you play the first level very easily. As you go to other levels the game gets complicated.
Ashutosh said that the stories about Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Bachchan not getting along were very much untrue. According to him, both Aishwarya and Hrithik were very professional on the set. About Abhishek Bachchan’s visiting to the set Ashutosh admitted that he came but before the shooting started. Ashutosh described the making of Jodhaa Akbar like playing video game where the first round is very easy but things get complicated as the player advances to the next stage.
Amitabh Bachchan lending his voice in Jodhaa Akbar:
You may not see him on the screen but you will hear him. Yes, Bollywood Megastar, Amitabh Bachchan, has lent his voice to Jodhaa Akbar. This is not the first time Amitabh lent his voice to Ashutosh Gowariker's movie. Amitabh Bachchan lent his voice in numerous movies which includes Shatranj Ke Khilari, directed by Oscar winning director of
Jodhaa Akbar: Lucky to be born in the 20th Century
Yes, this is the verdict of Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. After playing the role of Jodha bai, a 16th century Rajput Queen, Aishwarya realized that she was lucky to be born in the present century. The West.com.au reports:
“It took them ages to get ready for one appearance, and imagine staying behind curtains all day long,” said Rai.
While asked about facing any difficulties fitting into the role after her marriage she said that after her return to shooting, Ashutosh and others were trying to find out the change in her but they could not find any. The mantra behind her constant good performance is that she never mixes up her personal and professional life. Whenever she is in front of the camera, she becomes an actress. Talking about the rumors about her unprofessional attitude and problem with co-star Hrithik Roshan, she said that she was so much involved in making the film that they did not bother about them. She also said that Hrithik was a great actor and it was a good experience working with her.
Jodhaa Akbar: Lover of high stakes
Hrithik loves playing characters that are very difficult to portray on the screen. Why? Because, it makes him extra cautious and brings out the best in him. Apun Ka Choice reports:
“I really want to do films that scare me so much that I won't be able to afford it if they don't fare well,'' Hrithik said in an interview.
“It is only when it seems to threaten the value of my job would I be consciously giving it my best,'' Hrithik said.
But Hrithik said what he loathed most playing Akbar was wearing a lot of heavy jewelry and armor. He said it was awkward to wear earrings and chunky necklaces that were needed to reflect the royalty of the 16th century.
From the day, he stepped into this film industry, Hrithik established himself as a hardworking, disciplined actor, who would go any distance for his character. For his role in Laksh, he received military training. He almost escaped death while playing Krrish. For his role in Jodhaa Akbar, he learned horse riding and sword fighting. He even shot a war scene riding on the back of elephant. He sustained serious knee injury while riding horse in the Mahalaxmi race course but that could not stop him. Truly, Hrithik has all the qualities to be a Bollywood superstar.
Jodhaa Akbar: Aishwarya Rai's bad expression!
Aishwarya Rai failed to give the right expression in front of the camera. What went wrong? While shooting a scene on the horse, Aishwarya was supposed to give an aggressive expression; instead, she was looking nervous. The problem is Ashutosh could not reshoot the scene so he is now depending on CGI effect to repair the damage. Periodic movies are very difficult to shoot because of the high demand they put on creating the proper historical setting. It took K. Asif 15 years to make Mughal-E-Azam. Ashutosh took one year to finish Jodhaa Akbar. He had to face numerous problems, the legal tangle with the PFA and the Rajput Sabha, failure to launch the movie on time because of the enormous post-production work of the movie and poor promotion have already marred the excitement and enthusiasm among the viewers. Now, the movie is scheduled to be released on 15th February.
Useful Links:
http://www.khabrein.info/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10790&Itemid=88
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India_Buzz/Its_tiring_to_be_a_Queen_Ash/articleshow/2692476.cms
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