The Hindu : New Delhi News : Shahjahan's dream captured in print

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Oct 14, 2005

New Delhi

New Delhi

Shahjahan's dream captured in print

SYMBOL OF LOVE: Suresh Kohli's new book on Taj Mahal brings alive the magic of the movie's making

It is yet to release, but like its inspiration "Taj Mahal'' it is all set to make history. One of the biggest films to be made in the country, as its maker Akbar Khan puts it, "no money aspect had to come in its way.''

It might be some time before it has a chance to cast its spell at the box office, but for those who want to see and savour the glory of the world's most famous symbol of love -- Taj Mahal -- on glossy paper the way Akbar Khan imagined it, there is now a chance. Capturing all the fascinating details of the making of this historic film right from the number of candles used -- 100,000 of them -- to the never-ending yards of fabric to drape -- 150,000 metres at last count -- the grand new book on "Taj Mahal: The Making of A Motion Picture'' released in Delhi on Thursday evening brings alive the monumental scale of the film.

Written by seasoned author, poet and documentary filmmaker Suresh Kohli who has known the director of "Taj Mahal" for well over two decades, the Rs.995 book - published by Om Books International, New Delhi -- has lavish pictures of extravagant sets, glittering jewellery and all the actors. Starring Kabir Bedi, Zulfikar Syed, Arbaaz Khan and Sonya Jehan, the movie is packed with all the court intrigue, folklore and historic details behind one of the greatest love stories ever.

Apart from the performers on screen who act out this epic film, the book also zeroes in on the cast of characters who worked behind the scenes to create the larger than life vision. From optical illusionist Venkat Krishnan to Saroj Khan who choreographed the graceful mujra scenes and even the music of Naushad Ali, the book features them all and chronicles their contribution to the movie.

Apart from the love aspect of the Taj Mahal, the movie also brings to life the mammoth war scenes. Re-telling Akbar Khan's two-year-long saga of his Taj Mahal, the book like the film captures Shahjahan's dream that took 22 years to complete. -- Mandira Nayar

-- Mandira Nayar

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