Veteran actor Paresh Rawal has issued an official disclaimer on social media regarding his upcoming film The Taj Story, produced by Swarnim Global Services Pvt. Ltd. The note seeks to address growing public scrutiny around the film’s subject matter by clarifying its intentions and distancing it from religious controversies. According to the statement, the film does not deal with any religious matters and does not claim that a Shiv temple resides within the Taj Mahal. Instead, it focuses solely on historical facts, urging audiences to watch the film and form their own opinions.
The Taj Story, scheduled for release on October 31, 2025, aims to explore alternative historical perspectives surrounding the Taj Mahal. While the film is rooted in historical debates that question the monument’s origins, including theories that it may have been built over a pre-existing Hindu structure, the makers emphasize that it does not endorse or promote any religious interpretations. The disclaimer appears to be a proactive move to prevent the film from being mischaracterized amid ongoing cultural sensitivities.
This clarification comes in the wake of continued discussions sparked by a 2017 petition submitted by six lawyers to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), requesting a formal investigation into the Taj Mahal’s historical roots. Though some lesser-known archaeological surveys have supported alternate theories, these views remain contested by mainstream historians. The UNESCO-recognized narrative continues to regard the Taj Mahal as a Mughal-era mausoleum built in the 17th century by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal.
Paresh Rawal, known for his acclaimed roles in films such as Hera Pheri and a recipient of the National Film Award, now finds himself at the center of a sensitive cultural debate. By releasing a public disclaimer, the makers of The Taj Story appear to be navigating the fine line between historical reinterpretation and communal harmony, emphasizing that the film invites reflection, not controversy.