Unity of Diversity!
http://valleychai.com/blog/2008/movies/the-contradictions-of-jodha-akbar/ Jodha Akbar should've kept most of the scenes they deleted. All the Birbal scenes were deleted! Why?! This history of contradictions inspires me to mix Rajput Kings & Mughal history with AU my story more easily. I plan to add in Akbar's love for all religions where he made his own religion, Din-i-Ilahi to the story. For the Rajputs who didn't like the movie(where they banned it) because it made the Mughal rule look Secular when it wasn't, I understand their dislike about romanticizing an invader's rule. I rally didn' like that the Mughals made "Jodha", Hira Kunwari, change her name to Mariam uz-Zamani because they wanted the son of the ruler of India to be born to a Muslim woman. Really bites for her too b/c she was a Lord Krishna worshipper(she had Lord Krishna idols all around her tomb). But I think the movie really focused on Akbar & Jodha's relationship as Akbar goes for religious tolerance. was entranced by Jodha's Goddess Ratha's bhajans about Lord Krishna. It sounds like something Meera Bhai would sing too.(Akbar loved Meerabhai's bhajans too. He came to hear Meerabhai once(& really loved it & declared anyone who gave Meerabhai trouble would face his wrath. So Vikram, Meerabhai's brother-in-law, who was giving Meerabhai trouble, once hid under the bed, cowering when Akbar came by! LoL!). It was also how Akbar learned to overcome his vices of being too proud with Jodha's help, especially when he lifted taxes in the town(true). The movie was very nice & the music was beautiful. So was the setting & costumes. Jai Hindh!
