Most of the industry derided Ashutosh Gowariker for his impulsive outburst against Priyanka Chopra. The director spoke up about the merits of PC deserving the Best Actress award at the recently concluded event over Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. Jaya Bachchan even came out strongly in support of her bahu's Jodhaa Akbar director.Eyebrows raised
Several eyebrows were raised at Ashu's mention of Jaya Bachchan on stage, to endorse and substantiate his public objection to Priyanka's trophy.
The forthright Mrs B not only stands up for Gowariker but also gives him a clean chit for mentioning her in his pro-Aishwarya speech.
Nothing against PC
Initially, reluctant to speak on the matter, Jaya makes it clear she has nothing against Priyanka's performance in Fashion, "For all I know, she must be really good in it. I haven't seen Fashion. She's undoubtedly a good actress.
I don't have any objection to her winning the award. But I wonder why Aishwarya's fine performance was ignored. I think she and the Jodhaa-Akbar cinematographer Kiran Deohans richly deserved recognition for their work."
When persuaded, Jaya finally opens up. "It is being presumed that Ashutosh unnecessarily mentioned my name regarding Aishwarya's omission from the awards. The fact is, I suggested he bring up the question on stage.
We were discussing why Aishwarya had not been given any award for Jodhaa-Akbar. I suggested Ashutosh bring up the matter. When he mentioned my name, he wasn't doing anything wrong."
Very strange
Warming up to the subject of Aishwarya's performance in Jodhaa-Akbar, Jaya says, "The entire principal cast and crew of Jodhaa-Akbar have been rightly nominated for the popular awards and have won also. I find it very strange that Aishwarya who lived her part and looked every inch the royal Rajasthani queen in her body language and overall performance was ignored."
