Akbar, the powerful ruler of the Mughal Empire, sought to bring peace to his vast and diverse kingdom. To prevent further war and forge a crucial political alliance, he agreed to marry Jodhaa Bai, a Rajput princess from Amer (near Ajmer). The marriage was purely strategic—neither Akbar nor Jodhaa desired it, but both accepted it for the sake of peace in their lands.

Jodhaa, proud and deeply attached to her Rajput heritage, resented the idea of marrying a Mughal emperor. In her heart, she did not accept Akbar as her husband and kept her distance, maintaining her dignity and principles. Akbar, on the other hand, approached the marriage with a neutral, respectful stance. He promised to fulfill her wishes and gave her the space she needed, recognizing her as more than just a political pawn.

Before the wedding, Jodhaa boldly requested a private meeting with Akbar—then Jalaluddin Mohammad—and demanded two conditions: that she be allowed to continue practicing her Hindu faith, and that a temple be built for her within the Agra fort. To her surprise, Akbar agreed without hesitation, earning her reluctant respect.

After the marriage, Jodhaa remained cold and distant, spending most of her time with her handmaidens and refusing to consummate the marriage. Jalaluddin, though patient, was quietly captivated by her. The first time he laid eyes on her, he was struck by her ethereal beauty, as if she were a goddess. Though Jodhaa was indifferent, Jalal’s genuine efforts—ensuring she was honored as his queen, providing her every comfort, and even throwing a grand celebration in her honor—gradually began to soften her heart.

However, trouble brewed within the palace. Maham Anga, Akbar’s foster mother, despised Jodhaa and schemed to turn Jalal against her. One night, Jodhaa went to meet her brother, Sujamal, secretly, but Maham Anga twisted the situation to make it appear as though Jodhaa was being unfaithful. Blinded by anger and jealousy, Jalal confronted Jodhaa and, feeling betrayed, sent her back to her parental home, humiliating her deeply.

When the truth was later revealed—that Jodhaa had been framed—Akbar was overcome with guilt. Determined to win her back, he journeyed to Amer himself. There, he was warmly received by the royal family but met with cold silence from Jodhaa. That night, he approached her, trying to explain himself, but Jodhaa, heartbroken, poured out her pain, telling him how deeply he had wounded her trust. She questioned his worthiness as a husband, standing firm in her hurt and dignity.

As they lay side by side that night, Jodhaa drew a curtain between them, symbolizing the rift in their relationship. In a quiet, vulnerable moment, Jalal’s voice broke the silence: “Jodhaa, look at me, please,” he pleaded softly, longing for her forgiveness and the hope of restoring their fractured bond.