Akbar Khan's TAJ MAHAL in Oct'05

Film-maker Akbar Khan has dispelled rumors that his magnum opus, TAJMAHAL-AN ETERNAL LOVE STORY, is facing a dearth of distributors which has compelled him to look at the alternative of releasing the film through his own office all over the world. According to Khan, he had decided from the very outset that he would be distributing and releasing the film through his own office. "When I started out making the mammoth project, it was always with the intention of releasing it myself with a well-planned release strategy. The question of venturing out and selling the film never occurred to me. No doubt there were a few distributors who approached me but I knew they wouldn't be able to afford the price for a project of this magnitude. That definitely does not mean there is a dearth of distributors for the film," Khan revealed, while talking about the release plans of his film.

Khan points out that one of the reasons he is keen on releasing the film himself is to get the best out of its business. "Let's not forget that the cream of business today lies in its distribution, which is why banners like Mukta Arts and Yashraj Enteprises, prefer to release their productions through their own distribution network, instead of selling their films on a minimum guarantee basis. I am counting on the film to get an excellent draw in the international and overseas market besides some pockets of India," he says.

Khan has now confirmed October 20 for the simultaneous world release of the film but the big event that he is looking forward to is the U.K. premier of the film, scheduled on October 28. Says Khan, "The premier is also likely to see the presence of some of the best known celebrities in London, besides those from the royal family, who are likely to grace the occasion due to the very positive reports of the film."

Meanwhile, the film has already got an unofficial nod from the royal family, with one of the members approaching him to do a project on the life of the Queen Mother of England. "It happened quite unexpectedly when a member of the Royal family happened to be present at one of the select London previews of the film and got up to congratulate me. Subsequently he sent me a letter soliciting my participation in a film on the life of the Last Empress. It was incredible and I have already given my consent," says Khan.