Producer-director Akbar Khan reveals his plans for the release of 'Taj Mahal' in Pakistan and its re-release in India subsequently. TWF correspondent Vickey Lalwani speaks to Khan who minces no words in attacking Yash Chopra for ignoring his film which would be the first commercial release of an Indian film in Pakistan.

Q: In the recent past many producers from Shashi Ranjan (Dobara) to Yash Chopra ('Veer-Zaara') have campaigned for an official commercial release for their films in Pakistan- but failed. What tilted the scales in favor of your production 'Taj Mahal'?
A: I think it was the gravity of the subject and its historical importance that made 'Taj Mahal' a natural choice and so overwhelmed the Pakistani Censors.

The sensibilities reflected in the film, the architecture, culture and ethos depicted, even the period of history it covers is common to not just India and Pakistan but Afghanistan and Bangladesh as well because during its reign the Mughal empire spread across all these countries.

Also, the Taj Mahal monument is now a world heritage site and as such its story evokes keen interest across all parts of the globe..

Q: How are you feeling?
A: I'm honored and happy not just for myself but the film industry as a whole because I'm optimistic this move will pave the way for more Hindi films to find a commercial release across the border and this kind of cultural exchange will definitely benefit both countries.

Q: Pakistan's thumbs up to 'Taj Mahal' put you on a collision course with FICCI Chairman Yash Chopra. There was a war of words between you and him during the FICCI frames conference's closing ceremony?
A: The privilege which my 'Taj Mahal' has been given is a moment of victory for the Indian cinema, and not only me. Sadly, Yash Chopra does not think so. He uses FICCI Frames to sell and propagate his own films. He thinks that FICCI Frames is his personal jagir (fiefdom).

He pretends to be the brand ambassador of Indian cinema, but actually, is an extremely narrow-minded person. Last time, he wooed the Pakistani delegation to the hilt. This time, he didn't even acknowledge them. Why this hypocrisy? (pauses).

Q: Go on...
A: Well, I told him what I felt in a tongue-n-cheek manner and he responded by saying simply senseless words.

What finished my patience was the fact that Chopra went gloating on and on about his "Veer Zaara" and saying that it was almost the first film to be screened in Pakistan, and when someone reminded him that now 'Taj Mahal' had received the privilege, he simply bypassed it saying that 'Taj Mahal' was a small film.

What Chopra described as a small film, has ironically been made at an estimated mammoth budget of over Rs 60 crore.

Q: Why do you think Yash Chopra did not acknowledge your film?
A: I have lost all respect for Mr Yash Chopra. I thought that he must be a magnanimous personality. He has achieved so much in life, but he is a pigmy. I think he is frustrated that 'Veer Zaara' could not get the honour of being the first release in Pakistan after 40 years, which my 'Taj Mahal' has achieved.

Q: The film is scheduled to hit the theatres in Pakistan on April 28. The promotional hype surrounding it must be slowly peaking given the massive hype that heralded its unveiling in India?
A: There will be three first shows on April 25, 26, 27 prior to the film's official release. There will be two premieres in Lahore and Karachi and also a special screening for which I have invited the President, Prime Minister and External Affairs Minister.

Q: There are talks of you re-releasing the film in India too?
A: Three-four weeks after its release in Pakistan, 'Taj Mahal' will be re-released in India. I don't know if it was callousness, unprofessionalism or sabotage but I was very unhappy with the way the film was distributed across the country last November.

Q: Where do you think your distributors went wrong with their release strategy?
A: Except for a couple of multiplexes in some of the metro cities where Taj Mahal was booked for a week or two at the most, my Rs 60 crore epic extravaganza was screened at run-down theatres infested with mosquitoes and bugs, with smelly toilets and poor projection.

Plus I released my film with 400 prints and only 110 prints were engaged with one print shuttling between several theatres in many centres. Given the glowing reviews the film got and the five nominations at the Star-Screen Awards, 'Taj Mahal' deserves a better release.