No delay in 'Jodha Akbar' release: Gowariker

Mumbai, July 30 (IANS) For a long time now, sections of the media have been talking about a delay in the release of Ashutosh Gowariker's "Jodha Akbar", but the director denies the rumours, saying the historical drama will hit the screens Oct 12.

"Not again! Not true at all!" Gowariker told IANS.

"I've been reading stories of 'Jodha Akbar' being postponed every couple of months. These rumours are not true at all. We had locked in on Oct 12 as the release date since it coincides with Eid when audiences swamp the theatres. We've to be stupid or careless to let go of such a coveted date," he added.

There were also reports of Hrithik Roshan, who plays the main lead along with Aishwarya Rai, suffering an accident during the shooting of the film. But he too categorically denied anything of the sort.

So where does Gowariker, who had earlier made the Oscar nominated "Lagaan" and the Shah Rukh Khan starrer "Swades", think these rumours are coming from?

"Beats me! Probably because I've one song and some scenes left to shoot, some people might be jumping to the wrong conclusion. But Oct 12 was and is the release date for 'Jodha Akbar'."

There has also been some talk of his returning to his 'first love', acting.

"First love?" he laughed. "Direction is and alwayswill be my pehla nashaa. If after that I get some time off, I may, mind you may, consider giving acting a try. And that too only if a friend is insistent."

However, right now it seems unlikely that he would be able to take up any acting assignments, what with the gruelling post-production of "Jodha Akbar" awaiting his full attention.

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