Akbar Khan's 'Taj Mahal' to be screened at Dubai Film Fest

Mumbai, Dec 7 (UNI) Filmmaker Akbar Khan will showcase a revised, shortened version of his last release ''Taj Mahal-An Eternal Love Story'' at the Dubai International Film Festival that will be held from December 9 to 16.

The screening is scheduled on December 11, Akbar told UNI.

He said the Dubai International Film Festival will feature a comprehensive selection of contemporary cinema from around the globe, reflecting Dubai's multi-cultural and multi-ethnic community, and will serve as an effective platform for inter-cultural dialogue and global understanding.

Akbar said ''Taj Mahal'' has been included in the festival as a ''Historical Spectacular Classic'' in the Director's Cut section as he is the director and editor of the film.

Akbar said, ''I got a call that the authorities wanted to see the film for the Dubai Festival. I sent the film and it got selected.'' Made at an estimated mammoth budget of Rs 70 crore, ''Taj Mahal'' recreates the Mughal era through opulent sets, royal costumes and jewellery, as Akbar Khan, engagingly narrates the eternal love between emperor Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal.

The marble inlay work, furnishing and hundreds of carpets -- embellished with typical Mughal motifs -- were designed individually for every set. Akbar recreated Agra Fort, where Shah Jahan was kept imprisoned for seven to eight years, and from where he would watch the Taj Mahal.

The costumes were researched thoroughly by Anna Singh. Akbar even acquired authentic pieces of artillery and weaponry for the main stars. While the music was scored by late Naushad, the lyrics were penned by Naqsh Layallpuri. An American technical crew was part of the special effects and computer graphics used in the battle scenes and in the building of the monument.

''Taj Mahal is a glorious passage of history to life. It strives to transport viewers to the times of the 'Peacock Throne' and to experience a romance that turned into an eternal love story,'' elaborated Akbar Khan, who seems to have renewed energies with the re-emergence of ''Taj Mahal'' at the Dubai Festival, this year.

Actors Pooja Batra, Manisha Koirala and Kabir Bedi will also attend the screening along with Akbar.

UNI