Akbar Khan's colossal historical, "Taj Mahal - An Eternal Love Story", will be the first Indian film in 41 years to be released in Pakistan. The film's clearance for a Pakistan release is expected to pave way for new ties between the film industries of the two countries.

The decision has come as a pleasant surprise, considering Pakistan's previous decision to hold back the release of the classic "Mughal-e-Azam".

The release of "Mughal-e-Azam" could not go ahead due to bureaucratic problems despite President Pervez Musharraf extending his support to the screening of the 1960 classic, after receiving a request from the family of director K. Asif.

It is known that Indian films have a tremendous following in Pakistan, which is one of the reasons why there is a flourishing parallel DVD industry with rampant piracy across the border. The clearance of "Taj Mahal - " will encourage other producers to look at the huge market prospects across the border.