Pooja's Day Out At Dubai Film Festival

Bollywood actress Pooja Batra can't contain her excitement over her first outing at an international film festival. A former Miss India (1993), she is currently in Dubai with the cast of the period movie Taj Mahal – The Eternal Love Story, selected by DIFF this year under the Celebration of Indian Cinema programme.

Pooja, known for her glamourous roles in Bollywood movies such as Virasat and Haseena Maan Jayegi, plays Noor Jehan, wife of 16th century Mughal emperor Jehangir, in the film.

“I am in the role of queen Noor Jehan, who ruled from behind the veil. She was powerful and scheming and made sure her husband is doped and busy in his harem so she could rule the empire. Never before have I essayed a role like that. What made me accept that part was the challenging character and the fact that someone had the vision to cast me. I loved the transformation.''

Although promoting a period movie, Pooja is not indifferent to the changing face of the new Indian cinema and its new-found international appeal.

“They have realised the real potential of Indian cinema outside India. People in the industry have become very professional. The whole approach to moviemaking has changed. Nowadays they have casting directors, bound scripts, there are story ideas which are not inspired by Hollywood movies. Also the audience have become very intelligent. Bollywood is finally getting its due.''

She attributes the growing global acceptance of Indian cinema to Indian flavour being the new international cool.

“India is in fashion. Anything Indian is the in thing. Indian film industry has survived without any support from the West. We make more movies a year than Hollywood. Increased and easy availability of Indian cinema abroad too has contributed significantly. Even non-Indians are watching our movies with subtitles. And they love it. These days, people talk about Shah Rukh Khan and George Clooney in the same breath.''

As the face of the modern Indian cinema Pooja feels “honoured to be part of DIFF''. “It's the first time my movie has been selected for an international film festival,'' she said.

One of her unforgettable DIFF moment came when she got to shake hands with Hollywood heartthrob George Clooney who she found “hot and humble''.

“It is great to be here and sharing the canvas with George Clooney and Sharon Stone. It was amazing meeting them. Getting to attend film festivals is one of the perks of being an actor.''

Making the most of the festival, Pooja is missing no opportunity to watch new movies and has a list of movies to go through.

“I watched Michael Clayton, my first DIFF treat. Both George Clooney and Sydney Pollock were awesome. I loved it. Anything that Sydney produces or directs is brilliant. I am a big fan of Sydney's.

“I'm a film freak. I will watch everything that is out there. I am dying to watch The Darjeeling Limited. I'd like to watch more but our work, interviews and screenings don't leave us enough time.''

Pooja who divides her time between Mumbai and Los Angeles, where she lives with her husband, feels she has a “special relationship with Dubai''.

“It started during the days when I used to visit here for film shows and shoots. I just love the city. This is like a mini world.''

Taj Mahal – The Eternal Love Story
The world premiere of the revised version of Akbar Khan's magnum opus Taj Mahal – The Eternal Love Story was held on Tuesday. This is the poignant love story of Emperor Shahjahan (Kabir Bedi plays the older Emperor, Zulfikar Syed the younger) and his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal (Sonya), presented as a tale of royal intrigue, internecine battles, bitter reprisals, death-defying envy of the throne and deep personal tragedy. Made with characteristic sweep, pomp and high drama, it is among the most expensive ($25m) of all Bollywood movies.

This film first appeared in 2004 and won two National Awards for Best Art Direction and Best Costumes. Like many a hyped Bollywood epic, however, it disappointed at the box-office. What is presented now is an International Cut made in 2007, which the team hopes will hit screens with renewed strength.


Wednesday at DIFF

Red Carpet: Loins of Punjab Presents (17.30-18.00 at Gold Class Cinemas, Mall of the Emirates)
Screening: Loins of Punjab Presents (18.00-20.00 at Gold Class Cinemas, Mall of the Emirates)
Red Carpet: AIDS Jaago (19.00-20.00 at Arena, Madinat Jumeirah)
Screening: AIDS Jaago (20.00-21.20 at Arena, Madinat Jumeirah)