Jodhaa-Akbar (Hindi: जोधा-अकबर, Urdu: جودھا اکبر) is a film released on February 15, 2008 . It is directed and produced by Ashutosh Gowariker, the director of the Academy Award-nominated Lagaan (2001). It stars Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan in lead roles. This film also marks the debut of newcomer Abir Abrar. Extensive research went into the making of this film which begun shooting at Karjat.
The film centers around the romance between the Muslim Mughal Emperor Akbar, played by Hrithik Roshan and his Hindu wife, Jodhabai, played by Aishwarya Rai. The music is composed by acclaimed music composer A. R. Rahman. The soundtrack of the movie was released on January 19, 2008.
Ashutosh Gowariker hired a research team of historians and scholars from Delhi, Lucknow, Agra and Jaipur to guide him on the film.
Due to the fact that this film was filmed in sync sound, director Ashutosh banned the use of mobile phones for his entire cast and crew on the sets.
Art director Nitin Desai created little cottages for Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai at his studio because Director Ashutosh Gowariker wanted the actors to stay in Karjat, where they were filming, rather than have them commute from Mumbai every day. They had all the comforts of home in the cottage. Hrithik's wife and son also stayed with him at the cottage.
Over 80 elephants, 100 horses, and 55 camels were used in the movie.
