Did You Know Aishwarya’s Jodhaa Akbar Jewellery Was Made of 200 kg of Real Gold? Here’s the Story

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When Aishwarya Rai Bachchan portrayed the character of Jodhaa Bai in the epic 'Jodhaa Akbar' directed by Ashutosh Gowariker in 2008, it was not only her performance that left everyone in awe. Her majestic jewellery, inspired by the grandeur of the Mughal and Rajput empires, was a major defining feature of her character and the film. And according to award-winning costume designer Neeta Lulla, that jewellery wasn't just elaborate, it was heavy.

A Massive Treasure on Set

Photo Credit: Still from Jodhaa Akbar

Neeta Lulla revealed that the jewellery created for the film, especially the pieces worn by Aishwarya, was made using a staggering amount of real gold, estimated at around 200 kilograms, alongside precious stones.

A personal collection of gold weighing that much is beyond what most palaces or private collections hold. And it wasn't a casual prop; these were handcrafted period-accurate pieces, painstakingly researched to capture the essence of what a queen like Jodhaa might truly have worn.

Craftsmanship That Took Years

This wasn't a weekend DIY project. Jewellers and artisans worked on the jewellery for almost two years, incorporating Rajasthani and Mughal styles and reviving ancient design traditions with gold, gems, and pearls.

Aishwarya is said to have worn dozens of pieces of jewellery in the film, ranging from elaborate necklaces and maang tikkas to borlas, bangles, and chandbalis, which made each look feel so authentic and iconic.

High Stakes, High Security

When you're dealing with hundreds of kilos of pure gold, you don't just put a lock on the wardrobe. According to Neeta Lulla, the jewellery room on set had multiple security guards stationed around the clock to safeguard these precious items.

This attention to detail, not only in terms of design but also in terms of handling, storage, and display, reflects the seriousness with which the production treated its commitment to authenticity.

A Legacy, Not Just a Look

It is no surprise that to this day, the costumes and jewellery in Jodhaa Akbar are being discussed, and the wardrobe of the film has been featured in international exhibitions celebrating Indian cinema and craftsmanship.

For Aishwarya, the jewellery wasn't just ornamentation. It helped define a character, and in many ways, became part of the film's enduring legacy. Fans and fashion lovers alike still reference those looks when they think of regal screen style.

Why It Still Matters

In an era when CGI and replicas are common, the fact that a major film chose real gold jewellery, and invested real time, money and security into crafting and protecting it, says something about the vision behind Jodhaa Akbar.

It wasn't just about looking royal on camera. It was about capturing history with respect, and giving people something that still feels real and awe-inspiring all these years later.