And not in the simplistic way of ‘behind every successful man there is a woman’, but in a more complex manner with discussions, arguments and being straight forward. author Juhi Ray has treated us to a You Tube clip from the movie Jodha Akbar, but apologises because she could not find a version with English subtitles.It doesnt. Hence my existing women protagonists are always rooted, supportive and strong. It is something I may have drawn from them. “It could be because of the influences of my mom (Kishori), sister Ashlesha who is a lawyer and my wife, Sunita. And, he believes it has been a part of his films by default. I thought, if I am so intrigued by it, then I should tell the story.”įrom Jodha (Jodha Akbar, 2008) and Chaani (Mohenjo Daro, 2010) to Parvatibai (Panipat), the women characters have always been strong, independent and fearless. In this story, what happens is inevitable, and that astonishes me. Somewhere I like to tell untold stories, to see if there is a learning curve or knowledge to impart from it. But no one told me to make a film on Sadashiv Rao Bhau. Yes, I may meet somebody who will say, ‘why don’t you make a film on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’. But never did I think of making a film on that. One has been a part of the Chhatratpati and the Peshwas rule.
On choosing the subject of Panipat, Ashutosh shares, “Pune and Kolhapur have been important associations, the latter being my home town. I don’t want a song to just stand out on its own,” he says. “It is important for a composer to know the story. Gowariker’s films have always had music as an integral and interactive part of the narration and the director admits to be involved in it. I like to go on the front foot and explain that everything is okay.” However, at the same time, people should wait and be patient. If I was a descendant of a great warrior, I would want to know what is being written about or presented about my family member. The Jodha Akbar (2008) director, says, “It is a given that there will be questions when you make a historical film.
His only thought is, “Why are people not patient?” He shares that he embraces the questions as people ask it out of concern. Director Ashutosh Gowariker says he doesn’t let controversies affect him.