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."

By any standards, Indian film 'Taj Mahal', that was premiered in Dubai on Tuesday evening, is impressive and takes you by surprise.

The rare care with which producer-director Akbar Khan mounts his tale of Mughal intrigue, the volume of 'epic' quality that he succeeds in investing in the plot's palpable periodicity and the attention he gives to bringing the characters to life makes this the most surprising film of the year.

A befitting tribute to his work, Akbar Khan and his team of actors received a standing ovation from a packed audience at the Mall of the Emirates cinema, who remained engrossed through the two hour-odd film. A mix of Asian and Western movie buffs remained mesmerised, fully involved in the film till the end, undoubtedly shattering the myth that only Hollywood can make good films!

The most expensive Bollywood film made to date from a colossal budget of US $10 million, 'Taj Mahal' is among the eight Indian films selected for the Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF) this year. It is clear that Akbar Khan is one of the top directors in the world if one views this film without any prejudice. The background music by Naushad is his best ever.

Spanning two generations of the Mughal period, covering the youthful passion and autumnal memories of Shah Jahan (Zulfikar Syed/Kabir Bedi), 'Taj Mahal' has that quality which is of paramount importance to the success of a costume drama - the director believes in his vision and has the wherewithal to translate that vision into credible visuals.

"The 60-minute film, a crisper version of the original released in India in 2005", as Akbar Khan put it, will be relaunched in India and the international market soon. "I am grateful to DIFF for giving me this platform to relaunch my film," said the filmmaker, confident the film will be appreciated by both international and Indian audiences if viewed without any prejudice.

"My decision to release the film in India in 2005 was a wrong move, perhaps wrong timing," he recalls. "But, the response and reviews that the film is receiving now from international media and audience is encouraging and I am hopeful that the audience will give my film a second chance."

Introducing his actors, Kabir Bedi, who plays the role of older Shah Jahan, Pooja Batra (Noorjehan) and others to the audience on Tuesday, the talented Akbar Khan said, "I was inspired to make the film on the mausoleum - a symbol of love and one of the Wonders of the world, only because I, myself, was mesmerised by the monument on a recent visit to the Taj Mahal in Agra.

"The serene and mystical beauty of Taj Mahal and a host of tourists hearing patiently the real love story of an Indian Mughal Emperor for his love, influenced me to put this eternal love story on the film canvas for people around the world to know."

While Shah Jahan spent over 22 years to build the monument, I have tried my best in two years to put the film together.

"It is not just a story of a man's love, but a rich tapestry of Indian and the Muslim culture," he said.

Already having bagged two National awards for Best Art direction and Costumes, the film is a must-see for film lovers. The actors, except for veterans like Kabir Bedi, Pooja Batra and Manisha Koirala, the new comers in their own ways, the young Zulfi Syed who plays the role of young Shahjahan, Sonya Jehan (Arjumand, Mumtaz mahal) and Arbaaz Khan (Aurangzeb) have excelled. The heavy Urdu dialogues were delivered with ease.

The language is pure but accessible Urdu. The costumes (Anna Singh) are eclectically authentic, though at least one character (played by Pooja Batra) seems to be too contemporary in dress and manner. All in all, a must-see for everyone!

The tall, slim Pooja Batra added glamour to the DIFF red carpet. The model-turned-actress will be seen on the screen after a long time as Noor Jehan in Akbar Khan's Taj Mahal — The Director's Cut. We spoke to her on the eve of the film's world premiere at DIFF.

How was the experience of a doing historical drama?
It was fantabulous. I enjoyed wearing the costumes and as an actor it was fun to play a conniving, powerful queen, who would do anything to have her way.

What are your feelings about the new version?
The film was a bit long and I am glad Akbar has edited it for Western audiences. It is a rare film, one that comes along once in 15 years and audiences will enjoy it if they go in with the frame of mind of watching a different kind of canvas.

Why have you not been seen in any Bollywood films for a long time?
I got married to a US-based Indian and now travel between Los Angeles and Mumbai. I am trying to make a career in the US as an executive producer developing Indo-US collaborative film projects. I have had offers from Bollywood but nothing that has touched me. I am cool and willing to wait.

How has the DIFF experience been?
This is the first time I am at a festival with a movie and am enjoying every moment. I love Dubai and DIFF's hospitality has been wonderful. I am a big fan of George Clooney and it was fantastic to meet him. I am impressed by the line up of films and hope to see some international films that I cannot catch in India or the US.

At a special screening of Akbar Khan's Taj Mahal – An Eternal Love Story held for the Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and his family, the Prime Minister was visibly impressed by the eternal love story that brings to life the legend of Shah Jehan, the love of his life Mumtaz and the saga behind one of the wonders of the world - The Taj Mahal.

Led by Akbar Khan, the entire cast of the film including Sonya Jehan, Zulfikar Sayed, Arbaaz Khan and Pooja Batra were present at the screening along with the Prime Minister and his family. Commenting that the film was very well made and a lesson in history to every Indian, Dr. Singh conveyed his appreciation in a letter to Akbar Khan and his team for their brilliant effort in portraying one of the salient periods of India's history through the medium of cinema.

Taj Mahal – An Eternal Love Story released worldwide on 18th November 2005.

The Miss India crown, a successful modelling career, and then, a huge splash in tinseltown with Virasat. Pooja Batra couldn't have asked for a better start. But that was almost a decade ago. Now the lissome lass is back, reprising the role of Noorjehan, immortalised by Veena in the 1963 classic starring Pradeep Kumar and Bina Rai.

In Akbar Khan's Taj Mahal – An Eternal Love Story, she plays the woman who ruled Jahangir's heart, and his kingdom, a character with several shades of grey.

Why did she agree to do it? "First, I love story and secondly, whenever I read about Mughal Empire, the one character that intrigues me the most is Noorjehan. So I didn't have to think twice before accepting this role," answers Pooja. She adds that she found the role very interesting and believes it has given her a chance to prove herself.

But does that mean more negative roles coming her way? "Noorjehan might have been very ambitious for her times,, but she did what every mother will do for her child. I guess that's the reason why history didn't record her in a negative light. I play the antagonist who provokes the protagonist to take action," Pooja tries to explain.

Regarding her future projects, Pooja said she is waiting for the right role. "There are a lot of offers but I'm looking at the right combination of the director and the role. Let that perfect combination come and I'll do it."

Pooja would love to play Indira Gandhi, or any historical character, or happily scare the audiences with a murder mystery. She is also pleased with the way Bollywood is growing and coming out of its age-old mould. "I loved watching films like Yuva and Dhoom and am waiting for something exciting to come my way. Till that happens, I've lots of modelling assignments to keep me busy."

Fremont, calif. – As promised, the Federation of Indo-American Associations of Nothern California served up some melodious golden oldies, a grand banquet and a fashion show at the sold-out Independence Day celebrations here at the Marriott Hotel Aug. 19.

As promised, Indian American achievers were recognised.

But what didn't happen as promised was the appearance of chief guest Bollywood star Anil Kapoor. In his stead, former Miss India and model turned actress Pooja Batra nicely filled the celebrity gap.

But organisers were clearly disappointed that Kapoor ditched them at the last minute.

"Luckily, we were able to get Pooja Batra at short notice, but we are devastated that Kapoor's itinerary was tampered with," FIA chairman Anil Yadav told India-West before the program got underway.

He said he found out that the day before he was to leave Mumbai, Kapoor received numerous anonymous calls telling him that it would not be worth his while to attend an event sponsored by "a bogus organization."

"I don't want to name names," Yadav said, "but the calls were made by those who oppose us."

If attendees were unhappy over the switch, few showed it. They were there to enjoy an event which they had paid $100 apiece to attend.

Subees Jewellery offered the first piece of entertainment with a fashion show that for a half hour or so turned the stage into a riot of color, as models dressed in sequinned sarees and exquisite jewellery displayed what was touted as "the best in sarees and jewels.

'I am so excited to be nominated. It's a definite high for any artiste. This is the first time someone had entrusted me with playing a totally Indian and a historical role too. I have to thank my director, Ahbar Khan for his confidence in me. So far, I had been cast in only westernised roles, so this in itself was a creative challenge for me.

I had done plenty of research – read books, surfed the net, seen similar period films. Akbar was very informative as well.

I just wanted to live the role of Noor Jehan. The dialogues were different as the dialect was urdu and the costumes elaborate but given this nomination I think I carried it off. My best scenes are the execution scene and the conflict scene with my brother Asif. I am glad that my efforts have been recognised by the jury.'

Beautiful Pooja Batra was recently seen in the Big Apple at the launch of the book 'Encyclopedia of the Indian Diaspora'. The event was held at the grand ballroom of the Manhattan Centre and what's more Pooja shared the limelight in this magnificent auditorium with renowned percussionist and tabla player Ustad Zakir Hussain who performed along with fellow percussion musicians from around the world. I am sure it must have been treat for music aficionados and beauty connoisseurs!

Pooja may not be hot in the film world any more but she lent glamour to the event anyway. She along with the Indian Ambassador to the United States Honorable Ronen Sen launched the book. 'I am happy to be in my favorite city on my birthday with my favorite musician Zakir Hussain. I'm a big admirer of his and it was a delight to listen to him. It's the best birthday gift,'? she gushed. We wonder what did the good humoured and reticent Zakir Hussai must have said to that'? .