Recently, producer Sanjay Kapoor and his team were shooting for their upcoming film, 'Tevar', at and around the Taj Mahal.
<img title="Arjun Kapoor in a still from the film, Tevar. The film, that has been extensively shot at and around the Taj Mahal, recently ran into trouble for allegedly flouting ASI norms" src="http://images.mid-day.com/images/2014/mar/07-Arjun-Kapoor.jpg" alt="Arjun Kapoor in a still from the film, Tevar. The film, that has been extensively shot at and around the Taj Mahal, recently ran into trouble for allegedly flouting ASI norms" /> Arjun Kapoor in a still from the film, 'Tevar'. The film, that has been extensively shot at and around the Taj Mahal, recently ran into trouble for allegedly flouting ASI norms
During their 50-day schedule, they even shot a song near the monument using a Jimmy Jib crane camera. However, after a local complained to the archaeological department (Archaeological Survey of India or ASI), the film unit was asked to remove the crane.
<img title="Sanjay Kapoor" src="http://images.mid-day.com/images/2014/mar/07-Sanjay-Kapoor.jpg" alt="Sanjay Kapoor" /> Sanjay Kapoor
An eyewitness says, &ldquo;We had taken all the permissions from the respective departments, but for this particular song sequence, we used a Jimmy Jib camera crane. Just as we were carrying out our shoot, a local complained to the authorities. So we then had to stop using the crane and take shots with an arial camera.&rdquo;
Sanjay Kapoor brushes it off as a minor incident. &ldquo;If one follows the procedures, there shouldn&rsquo;t be any issues. It is understood that if you shoot at any place of historical significance -- be in India or abroad -- the unit has to follow the rules laid down by the authorities,&rdquo; he says.
Interestingly, 'Tevar' is not the only film to run into trouble over flouting rules governing shoots at / near the Taj Mahal. Several film units have had to stop shooting at the monument due to failure to abide by the authorities&rsquo; rules and regulations. Performing at the Taj Mahal has been a tricky affair too. NK Pathak, superintending archaeologist (monuments), Agra, points out the due procedure for film shoots. &ldquo;The producer has to submit a copy of the script to us.
A form has to be filled spelling out details about the shoot and the unit, including its crewmembers. If a unit has on board a foreigner, then his or her details have to be submitted to us. We also need to know the instrument that will be used during the film&rsquo;s shoot. Safety and security of the monument is our top priority,&rdquo; he says, adding that in the Tevar instance, they had to stop the shoot as the unit didn&rsquo;t have permissions to use the crane.
He also clarifies that while they don&rsquo;t object to filmmakers using reflectors and umbrellas, any publicity material &mdash; for example, an imprint on the umbrella or a product endorsement &mdash; is strictly forbidden. He adds, &ldquo;We only charge Rs 5,000 a day, but there is a refundable security deposit of R50,000 that needs to made.&rdquo;

Film and ad units have had a tough time while shooting or performing at the mausoleum

Trouble at the Taj Mahal

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