Iconic Indian actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has long dazzled fans with her beauty and grace. However, filming 2008’s Jodha Akbar required extraordinary measures to protect Rai Bachchan on set. Her opulent costumes for the role demanded intense security.
Priceless Jewels Require Fortress of Guards
To accurately portray royalty as Jodha, Rai Bachchan wore over 200 kg of gold jewelry while filming. Her intricate pieces were painstakingly crafted by 70 artists for authenticity.

This splendor came at a price – the precious ornaments could easily attract thieves. As a result, director Ashutosh Gowariker deployed 50 bodyguards to surround Rai Bachchan during shoots.
While glamorous, the lavish costumes also proved challenging for the star to wear for long stretches. Yet the resulting splendor on screen highlighted regal elegance.
Blockbuster Film Cements Fashion Trends
Beyond their beauty, Rai Bachchan’s on-screen jewels also influenced Indian fashion. After Jodha Akbar’s release, jewelry stores saw demand for pieces reminiscent of the film’s style.
The period drama itself became a box office smash thanks to Rai Bachchan’s luminous presence enrobed in gold. Her magnetism as Jodha captivated fans just as the precious jewels she wore enthralled viewers.
The exceptional circumstances of creating this ambitious epic illustrate Rai Bachchan’s star power. Even among iconic roles, Jodha Akbar stands out for its lavish production and the actress’s radiance at the center of it all.