Hrithik Roshan and Priyanka Chopra: How Bollywood Stars Inspired The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power season 2

The much-anticipated second season of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power has officially premiered on Amazon Prime Video, captivating audiences with its grand narrative and intricate world-building. In an interview the creators and actors of the series delved into the show's distinctive elements and revealed fascinating connections to prominent Indian celebrities such as Hrithik Roshan and Priyanka Chopra.

J.D. Payne, one of the show's creators, elaborated on the decision to enlist three female directors for this season. He remarked, “We conducted a multitude of interviews, but Charlotte Brändström, Sanaa Hamri, and Louise Hooper distinguished themselves as the most creative directors. Each director brings her unique dynamism to the series. Louise is known for her vivacity, energy, and active involvement. Sanaa's approach is marked by her precision and clarity of vision, while Charlotte, with her extensive experience, had previously directed two pivotal episodes in season one.”

The Rings of Power showrunner J.D. Payne on meeting Hrithik and having him as a part of the franchise.#HrithikRoshan pic.twitter.com/fzywomepQo

— HrithikRules.com (@HrithikRules) August 28, 2024

Payne expressed enthusiasm about their contributions to this season, noting, “We are thrilled to have them direct four episodes this time around, and they also assume the role of producer-directors. Our collaboration with them has been superb, bolstered by their long-standing history of working together. Their robust network and remarkable talent have greatly enriched the process.”

Actors Markella Kavenagh and Megan Richards, who play central characters in the series, shared their personal experiences with the show. Kavenagh commented on her role, stating, “I truly appreciate my character’s appearance. The role is fantastic and deeply complex. The costume and makeup are exceptional, enhancing the immersive experience. This is how characters like Nori and Poppy come alive, and I found immense satisfaction in portraying a character capable of such transformation.”

Richards revealed the extensive preparation required for her role, disclosing, “Preparing for my role took three hours. It’s a process where you feel as though your character is being crafted during those three hours. Such opportunities for transformation are rare, making the experience truly enjoyable.”

J.D. Payne also underscored the importance of the script in large-scale productions, asserting, “It all starts with the script. Without it, there is no clear direction, much like being adrift at sea. A well-defined plan and a compelling story are essential.”

In a lighthearted moment, Megan Richards shared her fantasy involving a power ring, expressing, “I would love to speak every language; it would be incredibly useful. I have great admiration for those who can communicate in multiple languages.” Meanwhile, Payne revealed his admiration for Indian cinema, noting that Hrithik Roshan is his favourite Indian actor, a sentiment further enriched by his personal encounter with Roshan in Mumbai. Richards, in turn, named Priyanka Chopra as her preferred Indian actress.

- PTC PUNJABI