The French Riviera shall resonate with Quli Qutub Shah’s ‘Piya Baaj Piyaala‘ in Mohammad Ali Baig’s debut feature film making history for the city and Telangana. Baig had earlier brought laurels home with his plays at Edinburgh Fest and Oxford University. While his heritage plays earned worldwide recognition, his debut film is all set to do so. His play on the same subject at the Baradari monument was a hit with audiences.
Qadir Ali Baig Theatre Foundation’s Film ‘Chand Tara’ is based on the legend of Taramati and Abdullah Qutub Shah. It is selected for its Trailer Screening at this year’s Cannes Fest which begins from 12th May. ‘Chand Tara’ will be previewed on 18th May
Baig’s hallmark touch in his maiden film shall bring the Deccan’s heritage and Qutub Shahi era in its glory at the world’s most revered film destination.
“It’s an ode to womanhood, based on the life of the legendary singer of the 17th century Taramati”, says Padmashri Baig who is inspired by the historical work of the legendary Qadir Ali Baig.
‘Chand Tara’ is written and directed by Hyderabad’s celebrated theatre revivalist Mohammad Ali Baig and features many internationally reputed names in it : Anupam Kher, Mohan Agashe, Music Composer Karthik Illaiyaraja, singers Lucky Ali and Vasundhara Das and others. Ranjana Srivastava (veteran Anjan Srivastav’s daughter) plays Taramati while Mohammad Ali Baig plays Sultan Abdullah Qutub Shah. Other city veterans Rashmi Seth, S A Majeed and Masood Akhtar play pivotal roles. It has lyrics by King Quli Qutub Shah and Mohammad Ali Baig. Another city veteran Vinita Pittie has designed costumes. 
NFDC and I&B Ministry selected it for its ‘artistic feel, poetic and lyrical treatment with compelling performances and screenplay’.
Vani Prasad, Special Chief Secretary Telangana Tourism says, “The film reflects Telangana Tourism’s commitment to showcasing the rich cultural and artistic heritage of the Deccan internationally. This film by Padmashri Mohammad Ali Baig is taking it a global stage. It brings together several nationally acclaimed and internationally renowned artistes, including Anupam Kher, Mohan Agashe, Ranjana Srivastava, noted music composer Karthik Ilaiyaraaja, and celebrated singers Vasundhara Das and Lucky Ali, besides Padma Shri Baig himself who is helming the project.”
This historical film creates history from Hyderabad at the revered Cannes Film Festival.
