AISHWARYA-FOREVER [dot] COM - Nothing artificial about 'Jodhaa Akbar'

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Nothing artificial about 'Jodhaa Akbar'

by: Shilpa Jamkhandikar
- dnaindia.com

When you think of films, the word ‘fake’ is bound to come to mind. After all, films are shot on artificial sets, they play fake characters, and of course, all those wedding scenes are shot with loads of artificial jewellery. But this, it is different.

For Ashutosh Gowariker’s magnum opus, ‘Jodhaa-Akbar’, the filmmaker wanted things to look so authentic that he went ahead and used real jewellery, which was sponsored by jewellery retailers Tanishq.

The exquisite pieces of jewellery, which have rubies, pearls and diamonds embedded in them in old Rajasthani traditional style are said to be worth crores of rupees. There was a separate team to look after the jewellery, which was worn by almost all in the main cast of the film.

Some of the necklaces worn by Aishwarya Rai in the film are valued at lakhs of rupees. Even Hrithik Roshan, who plays Emperor Akbar in the film, was also required to wear heavy jewellery.

Given the fact that the film has been shot on extensive sets in Karjat and Rajasthan, the security of the jewellery was a prime concern and a huge safe was installed at every location. Tanishq is said to be hoping for a good branding opportunity with ‘Jodhaa Akbar’ given the fact that it is such an awaited film and jewellery is a ‘visible’ part of every character.

We’ve all heard of expensive sets and rising star prices, but for someone to spend crores on real jewellery is a sign of how moneyed our industry is becoming.

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