Tenacious: Ashutosh Gowariker at the PIFF. Pic/jignesh mistry

Do you think by taking cinematic liberties you have glorified the main characters?
While making Jodha-Akbar we had information about Akbar but little abut Jodha, his Hindu wife. I was thrilled that Jodha as a wife had influenced Akbar in many things. Their love blossomed after the marriage. Akbar agrees to build a small temple in her room and used to celebrate Krishna Ashtami (birthday of Lord Krishna) every year. Being a successful ruler, I think there is always a woman behind a successful man and Akbar may have been no exception. The same logic I applied judiciously while making the film.u00a0

What inspires you to make such period films?
The 'excitement point' has become a driving force in the making of each of my films. I became very curious about Jodha's character, but information about her was not available in many historical archives. This led me to make a film on Jodha-Akbar in which I gave much emphasis to Jodha's character.

Why are so few historical films made in India?
After the 50s, 60s, and 70s, not many films based on history were made. The first film Raja Harishchandra made by Dadasaheb Phalke was based on historical mythology. That historical films attract people in large numbers has been proved in the past. Making of historical films stopped when there was a major change in our socio-economic level. People don't identity with historical films unless they don't 'feel' it.u00a0u00a0