No more period flicks!

The image conscious Hrithik Roshan has even turned down Shyam Benegal’s film on Gautam Buddha

MUMBAI: He may be playing the lead in Ashutosh Gowarikar’s ‘Jodhaa Akbar’, but it’s learnt that Hrithik Roshan made an exception for this one - he has decided not to do any more period flicks in the future. In fact, he even turned down the role of Gautam Buddha in Shyam Benegal’s upcoming film.

“With all due respect to the Buddha and Shyam-babu, I am not keen on doing more period or mythological films,” says Hrithik. “For me, playing the legendary Emperor Akbar in a film helmed by Ashutosh Gowariker is itself a drastic deviation from my previous movies like ‘Krrish’ or ‘Dhoom-2’.

I have always tried not to get typecast in any particular image. All of us from the ‘Jodhaa Akbar’ cast and crew including Aishwarya Rai, Poonam Sinha and Sonu Sood have worked very hard on the film. It’s an uncanny coincidence that the amazing musical score by A R Rehman is being released on the eve of my birthday (January 10) - it’s almost like a birthday gift for me. And the movie itself is releasing on February 15, which is Gowariker’s birthday.”

The star-studded musical launch of ‘Jodhaa Akbar’ on Wednesday night was also significant in a very different way - the guests of honour, Amitabh Bachchan (his ‘voice-over’ can be heard in ‘Jodhaa Akbar’) and Shatrughan Sinha ( his wife Poonam is playing a major role) called off their ‘cold war’ and embraced each other. A much toned down Shatru even declined to step onto the stage during the ceremony, lest he snatch the limelight from his wife Poonam (who indirectly brokered this truce of sorts between the veteran actors). Poonam, who plays Hrithik’s on-screen mother (Hamida Banu Begum) said that she shared a warm rapport with both ‘Duggu’ (Hrithik) and Aishwarya Rai. “Although both are such big stars, they were so modest and made feel at home,” she said.

Director Ashutosh Gowarikar however seemed extremely nervous all through the evening. He kept wiping his brow and repeating to various media persons, “My film hasnt been delayed because of any of my team members. It was all because of my back problem.” However, everyone burst out laughing when in nervousness he said the film will release on September 15 instead of February 15! Ashutosh did not forget to mention that he missed the presence of Abhishek Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan.

Rani Padmini of Jaipur was present as the chief guest. Being the direct descendant of Jodha’s family, she was consulted during the scripting stage and was also kept in the loop throughout the making of the film to enhance the authenticity of the film.

Courtesy: DnaIndia.com