Failed in history, still like telling untold stories: Ashutosh Gowariker

Director Ashutosh Gowariker said that he failed in history during his school days, but telling untold stories from the past has always fascinated him.

“I never remember dates. I failed in history..I had no connection with geography. I get drawn to untold stories,” Gowariker told reporters at a promotional event of his upcoming period drama “Mohenjo Daro” here. “What this (referring to Mohenjo Daro and Indus Valley civilisation) city or society would be like I don’t know. It excites me to tell a story of that era,” he said.

From his first film “Lagaan,” the 52-year-old filmmaker has always preferred to set his movies in the eras one only reads about in history books. “Mohenjo Daro,” set in the Indus Valley civilisation, is his second collaboration with actor Hrithik Roshan post “Jodha Akbar”.

“It fascinates me what happened there, who were the people and how they have lived. I am happy I made this film. I hope I have done justice,” he added. The “Swades” helmer said he believes in doing extensive research for his projects, which is the reason that there is a gap between release of his films.

“I do extensive research on my films be it for ‘Lagaan’, or ‘Jodha Akbar’, so there is a gap between my films. These are special films. I was waiting for Hrithik to come on board for this film. Despite all the ups and downs, I am glad ‘Mohenjo Daro’ happened,” he added.

On the title of the film, Gowariker said he used the popular name the way it was written by the archaeologists. “There are lot of different ways to right ‘Mohenjo Daro,’ but we choose something that is internationally popular. We couldn’t change the name. I am glad I got opportunity to bring this civilisation. I did the film with my vision.”

Gowariker revealed that he has taken some creative liberty in the making of the film. “This film was constantly re-written. People questioned costume of Pooja Hegde (lead actress) in the film but the truth is during that period there was nudity. How can I show it on screen? So we had to imagine and create things that viewers will enjoy,” he said.

For different opinions coming in way for the film, Gowariker says it is okay if everyone does not align with his vision of the film. “We have tried to create a world that we had imagined.  It is my make belief world. There will be reservations, I won’t say it is wrong but I would request one should look at it with little openness,” he said.

“Mohenjo Daro” is set to release on August 12.