No kiss for Jodhaa and Akbar

Source: Mid-day

By: Tushar Joshi

Date: October 12, 2007

Even though lead pair Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai come within inches of each other in the film's promos, Gowariker says it's a no show!

The first promo of Ashutosh Gowariker's highly anticipated historical drama Jodhaa Akbar hits screens today. Apart from the visual grandeur and stunningly orchestrated battle scenes, one image that leaves a lasting impression is a close-up shot of Ash and Hrithik barely inches away from each other, lost in each other's eyes. But if you think it's a prelude to a kiss (a la Dhoom:2), you're wrong. The last time the twosome got up close and personal, the kiss was nothing short of scorching!

Dignified touch

Director Ashutosh Gowariker confirms there is no liplock between his lead pair. "There is no kiss between Hrithik and Ash in the film. It's a historical movie and I have maintained the dignity of their characters. I don't need a kiss to show romance between Akbar and Jodhaa. The film has loads of romance in it, which comes across in the way Akbar looks at Jodhaa and their combined body language. Their intimacy is portrayed in the way their eyes meet and they speak."

Gowariker adds that the website for the movie will be unveiled on October 15. "It coincides with Akbar's birthday. I will be adding stills and sharing other stuff from the movie as the days progress."

Will he also have research material documenting the process of making the film? "Not really. One can google information on that period and find loads of content. I want the website to focus on the film."