/> Kabir Khan is off to Dublin shortly for a very special screening of his blockbuster Ek Tha Tiger for the students, teachers and staff of the Trinity College in Dublin.

For those cynical sections of the audience which believe mainstream cinema serves no purpose beyond timepass entertainment, here is an eye-opener. After the release of Kabir's Ek Tha Tiger which was shot extensively in Dublin, there has been a huge leap in Indian tourism to Ireland.

`Not only that, ` informs Kabir, `After seeing Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif on the campus of Trinity College in Dublin, the institution has reported a substantial increase in the number of students from India seeking admission at Trinity College. I was blown to hear this.

So far I always thought no matter where you shot the film and no matter how noble your intentions, a film at the end of day, was considered just entertainment.

Though I've never made entertainment films per se, none of my earlier films had this kind of an impact. I've discovered to my absolute delight that after the release of Ek Tha Tiger tourists from India to Ireland have increased manifold. `

And now the Trinity College and the Irish government want to honour Kabir and his film. On September 22 Ek Tha Tiger would be screened at the Trinity College for the entire staff and faculty. Not only that, the college would also host a cricket match in honour of the film.

Explains Kabir, `Kumar Shri Ranjitsinghji after whom the Rajni trophy is named, owns a castle right outside Trinity College. So they want to organize a mock-Ranji Trophy match in honour of Ek Tha Tiger. `

As Kabir readies to take his film to the next level he seems incredulous. `When the boxoffice numbers started coming in I was unable to comprehend the impact that the film was making.

Today when the revenues are close to Rs 200 crores I am thankful to Salman for surrendering to my vision. He did exactly what I asked him to. The film brought in not just his traditional fans but also a whole new section of the audience which heard from word of mouth, that it was a different Salman in Ek Tha Tiger. `

Salman and Katrina's fan club in Dublin has multipled many times over. They've received an open invitation from the Trinity College to visit. They would do so as soon as they find the time.