Ashutosh Gowariker does not only present Indian history on screen, he makes sure he does his part to preserve history too. Recently while shooting for Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey with Abhishek Bachchan and Deepika Padukone, the director also helped restore the palace they shot in.
A source from the unit was reported saying, “The movie is based on the Chittagong uprising. While shooting a few scenes at Sawantwadi, they decided to use the Sawantwadi palace as the British cantonment. There were scenes that had Indian freedom fighters launching an attack against the colonial British rule. The palace, which dates back to the pre-Shivaji era, houses the Maharani of Sawantwadi.” However, it was not maintained as it was an expensive proposition.” Apparently, a lot of work was needed to better the look of the dilapidated palace. But since the location was perfect and the palace was apt as a British Cantonment, Ashutosh decided to undertake some major repair works. “Around Rs 50 lakhs have been spent in it,” adds the source. And now Ashutosh plans to promote the historical palace through the film.