Jodha Akbar bids adieu after a glorious run of 2 years

Zee TV’s historical magnum opus Jodha Akbar – a consistent slot leader and an undisputed ruler of weekday primetime - is all set to bid adieu to its ardent viewers in August, having kept them glued to the tube for nearly two years. Tapping into aspects of the royal couple’s journey not explored by any film or book on the subject, the show began with a ruthless Mughal prince Akbar (played by Rajat Tokas) marrying a Rajput princess – Jodha Bai (played by Paridhi Sharma) and traced the journey of how Jodha, with the power of her love, softened the hard edges of Akbar's fierce personality, making him more humane and loved by the people of his kingdom. It followed how two strikingly opposite personalities eventually fell in love. The show more recently focused on their roles as parents of the adolescent Salim and his iconic love story with courtesan Anarkali and the evil forces trying to create havoc in the Mughal Empire. The unraveling of a most unlikely love story and its fascinating interpretation by television’s most successful producer Ekta Kapoor captivated audience interest all through the show’s run. The story has now been told in its entirety and it is time for the cast and crew of the show to bring the curtains down on this immensely popular show.  

Pradeep Hejmadi, Zee TV Business Head said, “is a marquee, brand-defining property that has propelled the channel to new heights. It is a Jodha Akbar tent-pole show that generated immense advertiser interest. Over the course of its glorious run, it connected very well with the audiences as it explored aspects of Jodha and Akbar’s relationship that not many were privy to. In its final leg now, it is bound to generate tremendous audience traction as viewers are bound to tune into the grand culmination of this iconic love story.”

Talking about her journey Paridhi Sharma who played the role of Jodha said, “It’s been a very fulfilling journey to play Jodha. This show has made a household name and a well-recognized face. I am thankful to all our fans for showering us with immense love and adulation. I have loved every bit of this journey and I am going to sorely miss shooting for the show. Above all, I will miss  the friends that I have made on the sets. We were one big happy family and we have made a WhatsApp group to stay in touch now. No matter which part I play in future, I know for a fact I will always be remembered as Jodha!”

Rajat Tokas, television’s Jalalludin Akbar further added, “I have thoroughly enjoyed playing the part of Akbar. It wasn’t easy as I had to study a lot about that era, specially the personality traits of this iconic historical figure. I am grateful to all our fans for their love and support and making this show a stupendous success. Playing the role of Akbar, I have grown as an actor and I would like to thank the entire cast, crew and the channel for being a part of this enriching journey.”

Jodha is expected to air its last episode on 7 August 2015 and will be replaced by Tashan-e-Ishq.