My dear Mr. Ray,

                        After seeing the full length preview of 'Shatranj-ke-Khilari' this morning, I must admit our apprehensions that my illustrious fore-bear may not after all get fair treatment were completely removed. Because of this I had not asked you to publicise our co-operation with your production as that would have shown approval of Wajid Ali's present survivors, and brought us into disrepute in our social circles in Lucknow. But there is no such fear now. And I intend writing an article in approbation and publishing the same to clear misapprehension from the minds of Shia Muslim public about your picture.

                       I must congratulate you for the splendid presentation and correct history and culture of the period. And I am particularly thankful to you for exposing the breach of faith by the britishers in a subtle and suave manner in his gobbling up the last 'cherry' that was Oudh. Malka Kishawar had even offered replacement of her son Wajid Ali by the genuine reason and not a pretext.

                       However, in my humble opinion, since the masses of India can't fully appreciate the subtleties and nuances you have depicted, you might consider (after the international award shows depicted) to insert and one or two more dances and haunting song of that period in order to make your great artistic picture commercial success as well. This can still be done, say by a flash back of Mirza's (Sanjeev's) life at the Baiji's 'Kotha' before his addiction to chess, as mention in the dialogues Shabana and Sanjeev and a 'Bhaand's nautch' show somewhere, which in itself will create a sensational interest amongst the Indian masses, who have heared a lot about Bhaands' but have never seen. There is, I believed, still an excellent Kashmiri Bhand's party in Lucknow. As an amateur, and well wisher, I have only given this as a suggestion.

                       With regards, I am,

Yours sincerely,

Anjum Quder