Nationalism a recurring theme in Gowariker's films

MUMBAI (Reuters) - Be it the Bhuvan of "Lagaan" or the Mohan of "Swades", the protagonists in Ashutosh Gowariker's films love their motherland and "Jodhaa Akbar" promises to be no different.

"I'm more a nationalist than a patriot and my films definitely echo my nationalist zeal," filmmaker Gowariker told Reuters.

"In 'Lagaan', 'Swades' or 'Jodhaa Akbar' you will find nationalism either evident or in the dialogues."

In Oscar-nominated "Lagaan" (2001), set in the Victorian period of the British Raj, a peasant leads his team to victory in a cricket match against the British and redeems fellow villagers from the burden of land tax.

And in "Swades" (2004), a NASA scientist returns to his roots in India to help a power-plagued village generate its own electricity.

"Jodhaa Akbar", which opens in cinemas on Feb. 15, is the love story of Mughal Emperor Akbar and his Rajput consort but also sees the 16th-century sovereign defending 'Hindustan' against foreign invaders.

Gowariker says films can play a part in infusing a sense of nationalism in people. "We need to be constantly reminded of our nationalism," the 39-year-old filmmaker said.