Ekta Kapoor ready to face ridicule for ‘Jodha Akbar’

Mumbai: Bold and daring Ekta Kapoor, who is ready with her first historical show Jodha Akbar, says it is an apt time to tell the story and adds that she is ready to face any kind of criticism for it.

She has experimented on the small screen with all kind of genres such as drama, romance, thriller, horror and even kitchen politics. Jodha Akbar marks her maiden encounter with history and she feels “the beauty about history is about being open to perception”.

“I know I will be putting myself up to a lot of ridicule, lot of appreciation also, but a creative person scared of that will never grow in life,” Eka said on Monday at the launch of the show.

Filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker had already visited the subject in his magnum opus Jodha Akbar for the big screen with Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan in the title roles. The film won five Filmfare awards besides other noted honours.

Produced by Balaji Telefilms, Jodha Akbar is set to go on air on June 18 on Zee TV.

Ekta feels it is the right time to narrate the story of Akbar, who became a soldier and a king at a tender age of 14.

“It’s a story about love in the time of hate. It’s a story about religious and cultural battle that was won by love and I really find Jodha Akbar a fine example, true or not, that people need to see today,” said Ekta.

So far she has produced successful shows Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii, Kasautii Zindagii Kay, Kabhii Sautan Kabhii Sahelii, Kahiin to Hoga, Kasamh Se, and Kkusum, among others.

In Jodha Akbar, actor Rajat Tokas, best known for Dharti Ka Veer Yodha Prithviraj Chauhan, will be seen playing Akbar, while Paridhi Sharma has been cast as Jodha.

The show will capture the intriguing journey of the royal couple’s love for each other that had begun with intense hatred. What started as a marriage based on political power-play evolved into something more meaningful eventually.

“Love in the time of hate, love that changed humanity and [a] whole era, how a cruel king became a lover and, therefore, became understanding and accepting of all religions. It’s a story that our time needs to hear,” said Ekta.