"Maharani of Jaipur will release JA music" - Ashutosh Gowariker
By Subhash K. Jha, January 9, 2008 - 16:49 IST
Troubled and tired of all the controversies surrounding the release of
Jodhaa Akbar, Ashutosh Gowariker finally speaks from his bed where he's
recovering from a back problem.
Is it true that a company dumped the music of Jodhaa-Akbar?
It's true that we were looking at an association with Big Music. But we didn't
agree on certain rights issue for the music, so we parted. UTV Music, a label
that Ronnie Screwvala wanted to start later during the year, is being launched
in a hurry to release our Jodhaa Akbar music. We're having the music release
function on the Jan 9 and on Jan 15, the music will be in stores. The Maharani
of Jaipur, Rani Padmini, who's a direct descendent of Jodhaabai, and her
husband are flying down to release the music.
Is it true you're cutting two of the songs?
No. There are only five songs recorded for Jodhaa Akbar and we've retained all
of them. I treasure every song that I record and wouldn't dream of cutting them
for length. Even if we had nine songs only two would wind their way into the
charts. We have five songs and I've worked on making each hummable.
How do you think the younger generation would react to the music?
The response to the first two songs has been surprisingly positive. People were
expecting archaic songs, but they seem to have liked the modern adaptation of
the 16 th century sounds.
Were the songs never made to blare at the pubs or targeted at the youngsters?
Why do you say that? When 'Pyar Kiya To Darna Kya' was created, it was
youngsters who were throwing coins on the screen. When Dev Saab sang 'Khoya
Khoya Chand', it was the young who swooned and when Shammi Kapoor said 'Yahooo'
it was the young who responded. I'd say the film comes first. Whatever emerges
from it should be suitably marketed. The music of Jodhaa Akbar can't be Bhangra
and Hip-hop. Just because the film has Aishwarya please don't expect an
introductory song and dance. It's not a star vehicle. It's about the characters
that I'm showcasing -Jodhaa and Akbar.
How will you be there?
I have to be there. It's a big function and I have to manage in spite of a
slipped-disc situation. I'm just grateful it didn't happen during the shooting.
Imagine me being out of circulation on location in Rajasthan.
Have you strained or injured yourself?
No, I strained my back while lifting a heavy bag.
Did the bag contain Hrithik?
(laughs) Well Hrithik, Aishwarya and I have certainly been carrying an awesome
burden on our shoulders. I'd like to compare my struggle to release Jodhaa
Akbar to a video game where you play the first level very easily. As you go to
other levels the game gets complicated.
What's the truth about Hrithik and Aishwarya not doing the publicity for Jodhaa
Akbar?
Not true at all. We now have a publicity plan for them. It had to be aligned to
the music and film release.
And what about these stories of how the two couldn't get along?
Absolutely untrue! I don't know how and why this is being said. Aishwarya and
Hrithik get along really well. Even at the wrap-party they were fine with each
other. There was no rivalry between them. Aishwarya is the most professional
actress I've worked with. She never bought any guests on sets, or her
cell-phone for that matter. There were stories about how she was asking a
spot-boy for chai while Hrithik was rehearsing. Yeh sab bachkani baatein hai.
Did Abhishek ever drop in?
Ya but only when he was shooting in Karjat next door for that song in Ram Gopal
Varma Ki Aag. Even then he'd drop in before the shooting started, have chai and
leave. I just want to say both Hrithik and Aishwarya are extremely dedicated
professionals. They knew exactly what they had to do. It wasn't as if they were
shocked by getting into a period piece.
Especially after Dhoom 2 it must have been tough for them to get into the
Moghul era.
Yes, but even for Dhoom 2 they had to assume an alien body language and
personality. In Jodhaa Akbar too they've worked to create a new persona. That
couldn't have happened if they weren't focused.
Did you miss Aamir Khan in Jodhaa Akbar?
They were showing our old film Baazi the other day. I'm dying to see Taare
Zameen Par but I can't sit up for long hours. He came to visit me twice during
my confinement.
When is Jodhaa Akbar releasing?
We were very keen on Jan 25 but because of my back problem I was told to be in
bed for 21 days. I couldn't go to Chennai for the background score. A R Rahman
had to travel down to Mumbai. That delayed things quite a bit. So, my cabin in
office was being used to prepare the background score. That was most
inconvenient. Now we're coming on Feb 15 .At the moment that's the date.
Valentine's Week for co-stars who aren't the least attached to one another?
(laughs) That sounds like a good idea for an intensely romantic film. So far
we've been looking at festival weeks to release Jodhaa Akbar
First Eid, then
Republic Day
Now any Friday when Jodhaa Akbar releases is celebration week.
It's been a tough film for you.
I wouldn't say so. The process of filming Jodhaa Akbar has been really
enjoyable. I've no issues now except the back problem. It's not going to be
postponed any more. That's my Hanuman Chalisa these days.
Shah Navas <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: Millions of ARR fans want to
meet him, which is just not possible. And meeting ARR is not everything. ARR's
music is even more than meeting him. Take it easy, we will all meet him in
person some day.
On Jan 9, 2008 2:40 PM, naztitude <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
Correct!! These feelings are accepted,after all your all rahman
fans!
But, Like gomzy said-let's grow up.They met ARR, congratulate
them.And you strive to meet him soon, insha allah.Work hard, be good.
If there's anything personal (atleast it appears from the scenario),
then we suggest it be kept personal and out of the group.
When you guys worked on the good cause, did u keep in mind meeting
ARR or the good cause?
--- In [email protected], sachin gadhe <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
wrote:
>
> Mohamed bhai,,
>
> 1.Your anger is valid.. as we all love AR in much depth..
> 2.My point is that if due to some circumstances you didn't got
chance to meet him , then what .. you can show your love in any
other medium which you like..
> 3.There are certain things which we have to leave to GOD.
> 4.BTW did you dontated blood ;)
> 5.Take care , & be ready for JA...
>
>
> Mohamed Jaleel <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> no,no vithur your reason is non axceptable,
> i messaged you on that day morning(jan 6th),about blood
donation.
> you said,i have work,you go and give blood in madras
medical mission.
> you can say like this, iam going to meet arr,iam the important
person in this group,i only decide who can meet arr.........
> those who went to meet arr are selfish guys.
> iam very shame to be in this group
>
> you are not a true fan of arr.
>
> Gomzy <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> "log tumse jalthe hai tho samjho tarakki kar rahe ho!"
>
> On Jan 9, 2008 10:57 AM, Vithur <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> Dear Chennai Rahmanaics,
>
> Off late, I have been getting messages stating that I along with
a group of people have been selfish in grabbing a chance in meeting
ARR on His Bday. Let me be very clear in stating that, we never knew
we would be able to meet ARR till the appointed time. There have
been a lot of hard work which has gone into all this. And I have
been calling fellow fans from Chennai, by putting regular mails
right from the beginning. So, everything was open, and there has
been no secrets anywhere , anytime.
>
> We never wanted to do this noble deed with an ulterior motive of
meeting ARR. We always thought that ARR would be happy to know
through some source, that we celebrated his BDay in a noble cause.
The meeting with ARR was a miracle, and a bonanza, and was possible
with the assistance of some senior fans .
>
> If there are people in this group who are still upset with us, I
once again say that nothing was intentional, and I or we do not have
any ill feelings against anybody.
>
> LONG LIVE ARR; WE WORK FOR ARR AS A FAMILY. UNITY IN DIVERSITY.
>
> --
> regards,
> Vithur
>
> A.R.RAHMAN - THE ABODE OF DIVINE MUSIC
>
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> jaleel
>
> ---------------------------------
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