Paresh Rawal’s ‘The Taj Story’ Sparks Debate; Makers Clarify No Religious Claims
PakkaHyderabadi 
Paresh Rawal’s The Taj Story motion poster drew criticism for showing a Shiva idol in the Taj Mahal dome. Filmmakers clarified the movie has no religious claims.
The motion poster for Paresh Rawal’s upcoming film ‘The Taj Story’ has sparked a heated debate online after it showed an image of a Lord Shiva idol emerging from inside the dome of the Taj Mahal. Rawal shared the poster on social media on Monday, but it was soon deleted following criticism.
The controversy stems from the long-standing but unproven theory that the Taj Mahal, built in the 17th century by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, was constructed on the site of a pre-existing Hindu temple. While fringe groups have repeatedly promoted this idea, it has never been supported by mainstream historians.
Facing backlash, Paresh Rawal issued a clarification by sharing a statement from the film’s production team. The statement emphasized that the movie does not deal with religious matters or claim that a temple exists within the Taj Mahal.
“The makers of the film The Taj Story clarify that the movie does not deal with any religious matters, nor does it claim that a Shiv temple resides within the Taj Mahal. It focuses solely on historical facts. We kindly request you to watch the film and form your own opinion,” the statement from Swarnim Global Services Pvt. Ltd. read.
Rawal also reiterated this point in his own follow-up post on X, writing that the film is based on historical facts and has nothing to do with religious controversy.
The Taj Mahal has frequently found itself at the centre of such debates, but the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and scholars worldwide maintain its origins are firmly rooted in Mughal history.
Producers stressed that The Taj Story seeks to highlight historical events, distancing the project from speculation and divisive narratives.
Produced by Swarnim Global Services Pvt Ltd and CA Suresh Jha, The Taj Story is written and directed by Tushar Amrish Goel. The film stars Paresh Rawal and has Vikas Radhesham as its creative producer. It is slated for theatrical release on October 31.
