Kyrgyz honour and global vision define Akbar Khan’s screening of ‘Taj Mahal: An Eternal Love Story’

By Bollywood Roundup On Feb 24, 2026

(Left) Filmmaker Akbar Khan and H.E. Marat Mazhidovich Islamov, Co-Chairman and Head of the BRICS Analytical Strategy and Security Coordination Council, raise hands in celebration of the cultural collaboration. (Right) Famous Russian writer, visionary and analyst Alexey Davidovsky and Dr Sergei Dvorianov, Vice President of the BRICS Culture Media Forum and originator of the opera ‘Mahabharata’; help Akbar Khan put on the traditional Kyrgyz robe belonging to H.E. Marat Mazhidovich Islamov’s grandfather, symbolising heritage and honour.

The special premiere screening of ‘Taj Mahal: An Eternal Love Story’ at Maison INOX, Jio World Plaza, Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), Mumbai, held in collaboration with the BRICS Culture Media Forum, became a moment of international cultural exchange as His Excellency Marat Mazhidovich Islamov, Co-Chairman and Head of the BRICS Analytical Strategy and Security Coordination Council, honoured filmmaker Akbar Khan during a unique ceremonial exchange.

The event followed the film’s recent international premieres in Malaysia and Indonesia and brought together prominent dignitaries and cultural leaders. During the evening at BKC, Mumbai, Akbar Khan also introduced his forthcoming historical epic, ‘Genghis Khan: The Dream of a Golden Age’, after which, H.E. Marat Mazhidovich Islamov offered collaboration by the Government of Kyrgyzstan, where a major portion of the film is proposed to be shot with support from local studios, artists and technicians.

He also proposed a private screening of the film in honour of the president of Kyrgyzstan, prior to the commercial release of ‘Taj Mahal: An Eternal Love Story’ in Kyrgyzstan.

The highlight of the evening was a symbolic exchange between Akbar Khan and H.E. Marat Mazhidovich Islamov. Khan presented a handcrafted miniature marble replica of the Taj Mahal, created by master artisans in Agra, describing it as a gesture of “heart-to-heart connection between cultures.”

“The message is simple,” Akbar Khan said. “Peace, unity, harmony and respect for each other’s sovereignty and dignity. Cinema is a bridge in that direction.”

In reciprocation, H.E. Marat Mazhidovich Islamov draped Akbar Khan in a traditional Kyrgyz robe belonging to his grandfather, symbolising heritage and honour. He then placed a symbolic Genghis Khan cap on Akbar Khan, representing leadership and legacy. A second cap was handed to Khan, who placed it on Dr Sergei Dvorianov in a gesture of shared recognition.

Akbar Khan was acknowledged as a BRICS Ambassador during the ceremony, marking recognition of his cultural contribution through cinema.

Reflecting on the moment, Khan said, “It was deeply emotional. When heritage is shared in that spirit, it strengthens bonds beyond formal diplomacy.” Dignitaries present at the screening described ‘Taj Mahal: An Eternal Love Story’ as an all-time classic, recognising its emotional resonance and historical depth.

Among those present were ER Elie de Rothschild Jr.; Mr Zavaray Poonawalla and Mrs Behroze Poonawalla with family; Dr Sergei Dvorianov, Vice President of the BRICS Culture Media Forum and originator of the opera ‘Mahabharata’; Dr Jaan Nissar Lone, Global President of BCMF and originator of the opera ‘Mahabharata’; Alexey Davidovsky, Russian writer and analyst; Oleg Alexandrovich Vikhman, Coordinating Co-Chairman of WORLDBRICS; Askar Batyrkhanovich Mendybaev, Plenipotentiary Representative for Nationalities and Interstate Relations in Central and Southeast Asia; Grigory Pelman, Nobel Peace Prize 2022 laureate for the Memorial project; Gadzhimurad Omarov, Russian politician and public figure and initiator of the Russian-Indian cinema project ‘The Hero’s Path’; and Sofia Zolotova, correspondent of ‘The Times of Russia’, alongside other international delegates.

During the evening, Akbar Khan further shared that a private screening of ‘Taj Mahal: An Eternal Love Story’ is being planned for the President of Kyrgyzstan, followed by commercial release across multiple territories, including Russia. It is learnt that discussions are also underway regarding a special screening for President Vladimir Putin.

The BKC screening reinforced the broader theme that cinema, when guided by purpose, can serve as a platform for cultural understanding and international dialogue. As Akbar Khan’s ‘Taj Mahal: An Eternal Love Story’ continues its global journey, the interaction with H.E Marat Mazhidovich Islamov, Co-Chairman and Head of the BRICS Analytical Strategy and Security Coordination Council, marked a significant chapter where heritage, diplomacy and storytelling converged on one stage.