Hrithik takes up sword-fighting

There may be rumours of a delay in its actual filming, but Ashutosh Gowariker’s much talked about ‘Jodha-Akbar’ has flagged off with practice sessions for the war scenes. Since the film is a historical, there is bound to be a lot of action, for which the cast is being trained currently. Hrithik Roshan, who plays Emperor Akbar, will be taking lessons in sword-fighting at Mehboob Studios and horse-riding at Mahalaxmi Race Course. Aishwarya Rai, who plays Jodha, is yet to join the team. She’s away in Chennai shooting for ‘Guru’. Sunita Gowariker confirmed that Hrithik and the supporting cast had already begin training.

“Though fighting scenes will not involve her, she has been nevertheless asked to practice when she’s in Mumbai. ” says a source. 

‘Jodha-Akbar’ will make use of real gold and diamond ornaments sourced from a famous jewellery house in Mumbai.

Each actor is tipped to be wearing jewellery worth lakhs. “The security was imposing during the costume rehearsals,” adds the source. The film will go on the floors in the forts and palaces of Jaipur next month.

s_ayaz@dnaindia.net