An exclusive interview for The Times of Russia by Alina Adamova
Famous Bollywood producer, actor, and director Akbar Khan is all set to premiere his historical film Taj Mahal on February 18 at the opening of the Mumbai and Moscow House of Bollywood. Akbar Khan is not just an artist, producer, and director; he has also emerged as an important figure in cultural diplomacy. He was recently announced as the Cultural Ambassador of the BRICS Culture Media Forum. According to the Global President of the BRICS Culture Media Forum, several major international projects in collaboration with different nations will be announced, marking the beginning of a new cultural chapter in 2026.
In this exclusive conversation with The Times of Russia, Akbar Khan reflects on his journey in Bollywood, the deep cultural ties between India and Russia, and his upcoming global projects.
— First of all, could you please tell us about your journey in Bollywood?
My journey in Bollywood began very early, with a film called The Unknown Path, when I was still a schoolboy. I was only sixteen. I left school at a young age and devoted myself entirely to cinema. I worked as an assistant director, cameraman, editor, and photographer, learning every aspect of filmmaking from within the industry. My dream was always to create a film of my own.
When my first film was released, a well-known producer noticed my work and unexpectedly offered me a role in his next project. At first, I did not believe him. I was very self-critical and did not think highly of my acting. But after some time, we met again, and he confirmed that he truly wanted to cast me.
At that moment, I shared an idea I had for a story. I spent two months writing a full script, and when I finally narrated it to him at his home, I described every scene so vividly that he could almost see the film unfolding frame by frame. He was mesmerized. Then he asked, “Who will direct this film?”
Deep inside, I always carried the desire to be not only an actor but also a writer and director. With great hesitation, I asked him if he thought I could direct it myself. He looked at me silently, poured himself a drink, raised his glass, and said, “You are my actor, my director, and the writer of this film.” That was the true beginning of my cinematic journey.
Soon after, due to circumstances beyond our control, the project was delayed. I was young, impatient, and full of fire. I decided to become a producer myself, even though I had no money. With the help of close friends, I gathered a small budget and began shooting. Step by step, scene by scene, we built the film. It became a great success and opened the doors of the industry for me.
Later came large historical projects, television series, and my acting career. There were also moments of deep personal tragedy that tested my strength and sense of responsibility. But all of this shaped me, both as a filmmaker and as a human being.
— It is such a powerful story. How do you relate Bollywood and Russia? What do you think connects our countries and cultures?
I connect Bollywood and Russia through a very simple but powerful nucleus — a man called Raj Kapoor.
Raj Kapoor was a magical seed that grew in India and spread its fragrance across the world. His films spoke about the lives of ordinary people — their dreams, struggles, pain, hope, and longing for dignity and justice.
When his film Awaara was released in Russia, something extraordinary happened. An emotional bridge was instantly built between our nations. The Russian audience recognized themselves in his stories. They felt the same emotions, the same longing for justice, love, and truth that live in the Indian heart.
This emotional synergy created a deep cultural bond between our peoples. Raj Kapoor became the greatest cultural ambassador India has ever had. Through cinema, he united two nations, two souls, two civilizations. He did more for Indo-Russian friendship than many official diplomatic missions ever could.
India and Russia share profound human values — compassion, emotional depth, dignity, resilience, and respect for life. That is why Indian cinema has always found such a warm and heartfelt response in Russia.
— Are there any projects that could connect India and Russia and help develop our film industries together?
For me, this is not merely a question of cinema. It is a question of the future of humanity. We must leave behind a more peaceful, harmonious, and compassionate world for our children.
My film Taj Mahal carries this message, and my upcoming project Changez Khan continues this philosophy. A collaboration with Russia on this project would be the greatest privilege of my life.
The philosophy of Changez Khan has never truly been understood. He dreamed of a universal civilization — a world without borders, without passports, without artificial divisions. A world with one platform, one shared destiny, and equal exchange of wealth, knowledge, and resources.
He believed that if one country has oil, another diamonds, another intellectual power, and another agricultural abundance, all of this should be shared for the collective good of humanity. He condemned selfish nationalism and isolation, believing that unity would bring peace, progress, and prosperity.
Today, aggressive nationalism and the slogan “my country first” are pushing the world toward endless conflict. But a true leader should say: humanity first, peace first, love first, education first, medicine first, progress first.
We urgently need to realign our political, social, and economic philosophies. We must rebuild partnerships based on ethical values and mutual respect. Cinema and art have the power to become bridges between nations and souls.
That is why Changez Khan is conceived as an international project — a cinematic call for unity, dialogue, and peace. I deeply believe that India and Russia together can create not just a film, but a message for the entire world.
— Mr. Khan, we understand that February 18, 2026, is an important date for the BRICS Culture Media Forum. Could you tell us what the evening will be about?
February 18 will be a special evening dedicated to cinema, culture, and the spirit of BRICS cooperation. The BRICS Culture Media Forum will host the premiere screening of my historical feature film Taj Mahal… An Eternal Love Story in Mumbai, in the presence of esteemed delegations from the BRICS nations.
Guests will arrive from 5:00 PM, followed by the screening at 6:00 PM at Screen Maison PVR, Jio World Drive, BKC. The evening will conclude with a dinner reception, allowing delegates, artists, and cultural leaders to interact and strengthen ties.
There will also be two major announcements: the international project Genghis Khan: The Dream of a Golden Age, and the launch of the “House of Bollywood,” a cultural platform connecting Moscow, Mumbai, and other BRICS nations. The evening will celebrate cinema, culture, and the enduring spirit of BRICS collaboration.
At The Times of Russia, we wish Mr. Akbar Khan great success for his film Taj Mahal and for all his future endeavors. He is currently on his way to Malaysia and Indonesia for the premiere announcements of Taj Mahal and his upcoming project Genghis Khan. His new journey began with a meeting with the Prime Minister of Malaysia, followed by planned engagements with the President of Indonesia.
A major international gathering is scheduled in Mumbai on February 18, 2026, where the announcement of the “House of Bollywood” will mark the beginning of a new era of cultural collaboration. The initiative is expected to expand from Mumbai to Moscow and later to countries across Central Asia and beyond.
Through his vision and projects, Akbar Khan continues to position cinema not just as entertainment, but as a powerful instrument of unity, dialogue, and global harmony.
