Taj Mahal going to Pakistan?

Akbar Khan says diplomatic efforts are on to release his film on the other side of the LoC

 

After having received appreciation from Prime Minister Manmohan Singh himself, filmmaker Akbar Khan has now taken up the task of releasing his multi-crore historical saga Taj Mahal in Pakistan. While the industry buzz suggests that Khan has sent 100 DVDs across the border, the filmmaker told After Hours that one print of the film has been sent to Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf by the Prime Minister’s Office.

 

“In fact, it was Dr Singh’s praise for the film that brought about the idea of releasing the film in Pakistan ,’’ says Khan, who was recently in the capital to screen the film for the Prime Minister. He is however quick to add that he does not want to make any “premature statement” because talks are still on.

 

“We are going through diplomatic channels and are hoping that the efforts will yield results. My friends and well-wishers across the border are also excited about the development and they believe that this could be a step towards opening up the Pakistani market for Bollywood movies.’’

 

Khan adds that he is keen to release the film in Pakistan since the country has cultural ties with India. “The story is set during the era of undivided India. In fact, the tombs of emperor Jehangir and his wife Noorjehan are in Lahore ,” he says.

 

Taj Mahal, which was released last month, has failed to send the box-office cash registers ringing. Earlier, filmmakers Mahesh Bhatt and Shashi Ranjan have also tried to release their films - Nazar and Dobaara - in Pakistan without any success.