Riding high on the success and critical acclaim of 'Iqbal', Subhash Ghai today launched 'Shaadi Se Pehle', a comedy directed by Satish Kaushik and starring Akshaye Khanna and Mallika Sherawat in the lead roles.

Talking to reporters at his ''Audeus'' studio after the ''mahurat'', Ghai said ''Shaadi Se Pehle'' was a musical comedy with which ace comedian filmmaker Satish Kaushik makes his debut in Mukta Arts banner as a director.

With Mallika Sherawat as the female lead, Ghai denied his latest production was a sex comedy. ''It is a laugh riot and not vulgar at all,'' he said.

'Shaadi Se Pehle' also stars Ayesha Takia, Aftab Shivdasani, Suneil Shetty, Anupam Kher and Gulshan Grover.

Akshaye, who also stars in Ghai's other production ''36, China Town'' currently being shot at various locations in India and abroad, said ''Shaadi Se Pehle'' was his third film with Ghai. ''I have portrayed a variety of roles in all the three films. In ''36, China Town'', I play a policeman, he added.

The first schedule of the film which began today will go on till September 12 in Mumbai after which the team will head to Malaysia.

The film's announcement was made by Subhash Ghai on Mukta Arts anniversary last October along with Nagesh Kuknoor's film and ''36, China Town'' which is being directed by Abbas-Mustan.

''Iqbal'' was released last week. Akshaye said ''36, China Town'' is slated for an early 2006 release and ''Shaadi Se Pehle'' will also be released next year around the same period.

Ghai said he will announce his own film to be directed by him in January. Ghai's last film ''Kisna'' was a miserable flop.

The ''mahurat'' today was attended by the entire cast except Mallika who is away in China. Based on a script by Sanjay Chhel, the music of the film is composed by Himmesh Reshammiya and lyrics are by Sameer. Other credits include cinematography by Johnny Lal and art direction by R Verman. Ghai said the shooting for the film will be completed by this year end.