Simply days forward of its nationwide launch, Paresh Rawal’s movie The Taj Story has landed in controversy after two Public Curiosity Litigations (PILs) have been filed in opposition to it. Breaking his silence, the veteran actor has now responded to the allegations and clarified that the movie doesn’t promote any communal agenda.A BJP chief from Ayodhya has sought a ban on the movie, claiming it’s based mostly on the identical topic as a petition he had filed within the Excessive Courtroom in 2022. One other PIL by Shakeel Abbas demanded a overview of the movie’s certification and referred to as for a disclaimer stating that it “offers with a contested narrative and doesn’t declare to be a definitive historic account.”Nonetheless, on Wednesday, the Delhi Excessive Courtroom refused to grant an pressing listening to to the plea.
“There may be nothing hanky-panky in it”
In an interview with NDTV, Paresh Rawal and co-star Zakir Hussain addressed the controversy, emphasizing that the movie relies on intensive analysis and goals to advertise understanding, not division.Tushar (the director) got here with superb analysis. There may be nothing hanky-panky in it, Rawal mentioned. “His sources have been clearly talked about, and I even checked with pals who confirmed the details. From the very starting, we made certain there can be no Hindu-Muslim jingoism on this movie.”
“It’s about shared historical past, not battle”
Rawal additional revealed that the movie consciously avoids polarising themes. “There’s even a dialogue within the movie the place a personality says, ‘Brother, it’s you journalists who make every part about Hindu and Muslim. There’s no Hindu-Muslim battle right here. That is about shared historical past,’” he defined.Sharing one other second from the movie that captures its core message, he added, “When somebody says, ‘What ought to we do with this?’ one other replies, ‘Break it.’ Then a personality says, ‘No, brother, we’re not those who destroy. Not even a scratch ought to come to it. Each drawback can’t be solved by breaking or destroying issues. Typically, acceptance itself is a giant factor.’”Zakir Hussain, who stars alongside Rawal, reiterated that The Taj Story relies on documented historical past. “The acceptance relies on details written by Shah Jahan himself. We’re not saying he constructed one thing unhealthy; he made one thing magnificent. However what was it really? Why cover it, and from whom?” he mentioned.
“We by no means meant to create controversy”
Addressing the petitions, Paresh Rawal clarified that the intent behind the PIL was not malicious. “That PIL wasn’t filed to cease the movie. They only needed the judiciary to observe it as soon as. However the movie already has a CBFC certificates. Even the judiciary understands all this; they’re not silly,” he mentioned.He additional added, “We by no means meant to create any Hindu-Muslim controversy. Would anybody make investments a lot cash simply to create communal bother? You possibly can trigger a riot for a lot much less!”Directed by Tushar Amrish Goel, The Taj Story stars Paresh Rawal and Zakir Hussain in lead roles. The movie, which goals to current a reflective tackle India’s shared cultural heritage, releases nationwide on October 31, 2025.