Bollywood roots for the Taj

From Shabana Azmi to Priyanka Chopra and Anupam Kher to Hema Malini - most members of the Bollywood film fraternity feel the Taj Mahal, a symbol of true love, definitely deserves a place among the new seven wonders of the world. Stars apart, people from all sections of society are also campaigning for the Taj Mahal, which is facing tough competition to find a place in the new list of wonders. The grand monument in Agra was built in the 17th century by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal.

Shabana Azmi: Of course, the Taj Mahal has to be one of the seven wonders! It's the only one out of the seven that is a tribute to love. In today's strife-ridden world we need to remind ourselves that there's always room for sublime feelings.

Hema Malini: It's our most precious heritage. If the same Taj Mahal were to be constructed now it won't be half the wonder that it is, in spite of all the technical expertise at our disposal. The Taj Mahal is a labour of love. Even today we marvel at how such a flawless architecture could have been created in those days. How can it not be a wonder of the world?

Anupam Kher: It is the greatest and only symbol of true love in the world today. The rest of the so-called wonders of the world are merely historical monuments. And in the chaos of today's existence, a monument of love is as precious as any near-extinct emotion or entity.

Priyanka Chopra: Should the Taj Mahal be one of the Seven Wonders of the World? It's like asking should birds fly. The Taj Mahal is a symbol of many things - it's the essence of creativity, talent and emotion of mankind. The sheer magnificence and beauty of Taj Mahal puts it ahead of all the contenders. It's an architectural marvel created with thousands of bare hands. It stands tall, proud and above all competition. A testimony to true love!

John Abraham: I think the Taj Mahal definitely deserves to be designated as one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

Kangana Ranaut: The Taj Mahal is simply the most stunning visual in the world. No doubt about it. Someday I'd like to find my own Shah Jahan who would at least marry me in front of the Taj Mahal and just buy me my own five-bedroom Taj Mahal in Pali Hill.

Lara Dutta: The Taj Mahal has never been just a monument. It's always been the ultimate symbol of eternal love. In these times of increasing stress and violence it is a living reminder of what love can manifest.

Randeep Hooda: It is a wonder because it was built for love. Nowadays no one does anything for love.

Dino Morea: First and foremost, it's one of the most magnificent structures ever built on this earth. The Taj Mahal reminds us of the most beautiful emotion in the world - love. And secondly, who would want to try to build another monument to love that salutes the moon and kisses the stars?

Bipasha Basu: In these times of turmoil, terror and tumult, the Taj Mahal stands as a testimony to love. It reminds us of a time when romance was an integral part of life and a pointer to history. On a more surface level, it is breathtakingly beautiful. As a true Indian and a global person I think the Taj Mahal deserves a place among the seven wonders.

Ram Gopal Varma: I've no idea about this, and no interest.

UNESCO is expected to announce the list July 7 in Portugal's Benfica Stadium. And actress Bipasha Basu is slated to be one of the celebrities announcing the names of the new seven wonders.

By Subhash K. Jha