Thrilled Akbar Khan decides to shoot in Pakistan

Mumbai, April 29 (IANS) Filmmaker Akbar Khan says the Lahore premiere of his film "Taj Mahal" is something he will never forget. So overwhelmed is he that he has decided to shoot his next historical in Pakistan.

"It was a night I'll never forget," Khan told IANS about the Wednesday night premiere of "Taj Mahal" in Lahore.

"It was attended by 500 dignitaries. Plus a whole lot of other enthusiasts. The theatre was completely jam-packed."

Khan admits he was apprehensive about the reception after the lukewarm reception accorded to "Mughal-e-Azam" by Lahore residents. "But I now realise what bad marketing can do to a film. My own 'Taj Mahal' was a victim of bad marketing in India.

"But the overwhelming response I got in Lahore encouraged me to re-release my film in India."

Encouraged by the response, Khan has decided to shoot his next historical, "Changez Khan", in Pakistan.

"I'm definitely going to shoot large portions of 'Changez Khan' in the Peshawar region of Pakistan. And I'll cast some actors from Pakistan. I see the cultural ties between the two countries happening faster than we thought."

Incidentally, Rekha who was supposed to arrive for the premiere in Lahore didn't show up. "Rekha couldn't come. But the beautiful Manisha Koirala was there. And her lovely presence was enough to make up for any absence," retorts Khan.

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Taj Mahal