It was first scheduled for a release on October 12, 2007 and later January 25, 2008. Filmmaker Ashutosh Gowarikar has made it clear that the delay in the release of his film was not due to any actor or technician associated with it.

“The sheer magnitude and canvas of the movie was such that it took more time than expected and later my back gave in,” Ashutosh said at the star studded music launch of the film here on Wednesday night. It was reported in a section of media that the delay was caused due to Aishwarya’s wish that her first release after marriage should be Ram Gopal Varma’s Sarkar Raj where she will be seen opposite husband Abhishek Bachchan and father-in-law Amitabh Bachchan. Ashutosh paid rich tributes to his lead cast Hrithik, Ash and the entire crew whom he called ‘warriors’. “Hrithik and Ash are not only the finest actors but also very resilient having put up brilliant performances despite all odds,” he said.

Amitabh is the latest to be associated with the movie as he will be giving the voice- over like he had done for Lagaan. Speaking on the occasion, Big B said he will complete the voice-over in the next few days.
Hrithik and Aishwarya described the experience of being associated with such a mammoth project as ‘fulfilling’. The charismatic duo was last seen in 2006’s runaway hit Dhoom 2.

The music was launched by Jaipur Royals Maharaja Bhawani Singh and Maharani Padmini Devi, descendents of Princess Jodhaa of Amer royal family.

Maharani Padmini Devi said that Ashutosh has been authentic and particular about Rajput history.

“He has involved us in this project from the start of the concept. Our alliance with the Moghuls gave secularism to the society,” she added.

Secular soveriegn

Lyricist Javed Akhtar said a film like Jodhaa Akbar was required in present times. “We all know about Akbar vaguely. When Europe had not heard about secularism 500 years ago, here was an Emperor who preached and practised it. He was a symbol of Indian ethos. It is significant that Jodhaa never converted to Islam,” he added. UTV CEO Ronnie Screwvala who has co-produced the film with Ashutosh said it is for the first time that a film of this canvas has been visualised.

Music composer A R Rehman hoped that the film’s music will change the mentality of the Indian audience. Punam S Sinha, wife of actor-MP Shatrughan Sinha who plays Akbar’s mother in the film was happy to be back in front of the camera after several decades. Sonu Sood, Kulbhushan Kharbanda, Shatrughan Sinha, Hrithik’s wife Suzzane, her actor brother Zayed Khan, father Sanjay Khan and uncle Akbar Khan and other actors were present on the occasion.