Paresh Rawal Responds to Fury Over Lord Shiva Emerging from Shah Jahan's Taj Mahal In A Controversial Poster –

Paresh Rawal on Taj Mahal controversy:

Paresh Rawal has entered the fray of a growing controversy around his upcoming film The Taj Story. The film’s motion poster shows Rawal lifting the dome of the Taj Mahal, with an idol of Lord Shiva appearing from inside. This imagery unleashed sharp criticism on social media, with many accusing the makers of stirring communal sentiments.

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— Paresh Rawal (@SirPareshRawal) September 29, 2025

Faced with backlash, Rawal and the film’s team issued a clarification. On his social media account, Rawal shared a statement saying 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 would kindly request you to watch the film and form your own opinion.”

Earlier, when criticism erupted, Rawal deleted the original poster from his profile and then reposted the disclaimer from the makers. 

Many netizens remain unconvinced, pointing out that the poster itself strongly suggested religious overtones despite the disclaimer. Several users called the imagery a publicity stunt or “propaganda,” urging careful handling of sensitive heritage sites.

The Taj Story is set for release on October 31, 2025, and will attempt to explore controversial claims about the origins of the Taj Mahal. 

As of now, the Hera Pheri actor's response frames the film as a historical drama rather than a religious statement. But in India’s charged public discourse, every image or hint of symbolism attracts scrutiny—and this film’s poster has become its first battleground. What are your views about this controversy? Let us know in comments.

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