The tale of the famous Indian landmark will be brought to life by Ben Kingsley in the upcoming film entitled “Taj”. The period epic would be provided with a budget approximately $25 million to $30 million following the screenplay made by British scribe David Ashton.
Kingsley will not only produce but would also star in the film as the 17th Century mogul emperor, Shah Janah, the person responsible for bringing to life the splendor of the Taj Mahal to the world. Dedicated as shrine to his adored wife, Mumtaz Mahal, the emperor spent 22 long years for the epic project. The wife who died while giving birth to their 14th child will be portrayed by Bollywood screen goddess, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan.
For the past year, Kingsley has spent his time revisiting his Indian roots. The actor born of a father of Indian descent garnered fame when he first appeared as Mahatma Gandhi in the film “Gandhi” back in 1982. Earlier he was also reported to star in the lead role for Bollywood thriller “Teen Patti” which is set to release in India in February. Both Kingsley and producers keep their hopes high that the film could transition to the Western box-office.
Kingsley explains his inspiration for taking on the role of another Indian icon saying, “With my passion for India and the Taj Mahal now becoming one of the Seven Wonders of the World, I am compelled to ask ‘why’ and ‘how’ this scream of grief frozen in marble came into being.”
Filming is expected to begin later in 2010.
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