'Ash and Hrithik were very professional'

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Ashutosh Gowariker (TOI Photo)

We enter his office in Khar, and are treated to a series of hardbound books that have a plethora of movie information and experiences between their impressive covers.

"I like collecting books on films. They make for interesting reading. But that's about it," he tells us, picking up the telephone and ordering his regular chai, in shuddh Marathi.

The man is intrigued by India, or so it seems, what with films like Lagaan , Swades and now the much celebrated romance of Jodhaa Akbar forming his spectrum of victories. Is he consciously that Indian by heart. "I think the patriotism comes to each of us naturally. I find Lagaan patriotic, while Swades was nationalistic. And now Jodhaa Akbar belongs to another genre of Indianness altogether."

Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai were the most obvious choices to play the title roles, we are informed. "The lead actors were chosen largely because of their physical persona combined by acting talent. Akbar was a warrior. I needed someone with the physique; also I needed an actor who would look regal without trying hard. Hrithik is a tremendous actor and can adapt himself physically to a character very well. This I noticed in Koi Mil Gaya , while I was impressed with Aishwarya in Chokher Bali , where she was bereft of any external embellishments," explains Ashutosh.

What about problems between his the lead pair? "There was no problem between Ash and Hrithik. Once Ash returned to shoot, it was as normal as it had always been. Both my actors were very professional."

So what next after Jodhaa Akbar ? "There's nothing so far. I haven't had the chance to think beyond Jodhaa Akbar," said Ashutosh, sipping his last sip of chai, and setting the cup back where it belonged.