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'''''Mughal-E-Azam''''' ({{lang-en|The Greatest of the Mughals}}) is a [[Bollywood films of 1960|1960]] [[Indian]] [[period film|period]] [[epic film]] directed by [[K. Asif]] and produced by [[Shapoorji Pallonji]] under the banner of Sterling Investment Corporation. A retelling of a popular Indian tale, the film featured [[Prithviraj Kapoor]], [[Dilip Kumar]], [[Madhubala]] and [[Durga Khote]] in pivotal roles. ''Mughal-e-Azam'' loosely followed an episode in the life of the [[Mughal Empire|Mughal]] Prince Salim (who went on to become [[Emperor]] [[Jahangir]]), specifically his love for a court dancer Anarkali, which is disapproved of by his father, emperor [[Akbar]], and envied upon by a superior dancer who wishes to be a queen.
'''''Mughal-E-Azam''''' ({{lang-en|The Greatest of the Mughals}}) is a [[Bollywood films of 1960|1960]] [[Indian]] [[period film|period]] [[epic film]] directed by [[K. Asif]] and produced by [[Shapoorji Pallonji]] under the banner of Sterling Investment Corporation. A retelling of a popular Indian tale, the film featured [[Prithviraj Kapoor]], [[Dilip Kumar]], [[Madhubala]] and [[Durga Khote]] in pivotal roles. ''Mughal-e-Azam'' loosely followed an episode in the life of the [[Mughal Empire|Mughal]] Prince Salim (who went on to become [[Emperor]] [[Jahangir]]), specifically his love for a court dancer Anarkali, which is disapproved of by his father, emperor [[Akbar]], and envied upon by a superior dancer who wishes to be a queen.


The development of the film began in 1944 when Asif read a play which was set in the reign of Emperor Akbar. The film underwent a troubled production, facing a number of problems and halts due to communal tensions and financial uncertainty, almost to the point of [[bankruptcy]]. Actual [[principal photography]] could only begin in 1953, and took a further seven years to complete. The final budget of the film came to {{INR}}1.05 [[crore]], a record amount for that time.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/News-Feed/CinemaScope/Mughal-e-Azam-reliving-the-making-of-an-epic/Article1-329459.aspx|title=''Mughal-e-Azam'' : reliving the making of an epic|publisher=''Hindustan Times''|work=''Indo-Asian News Service''|date=August 7, 2008|accessdate=June 09, 2012|author=Burman, Jivraj}}</ref> [[Dubbing (filmmaking)|Dubbed versions]] of the film and usage of color were also planned mid-way through filming, but were abandoned due to time and budget constraints.
The development of the film began in 1944 when Asif read a play which was set in the reign of Emperor Akbar. The film underwent a troubled production, facing a number of problems and halts due to communal tensions and financial uncertainty, almost to the point of [[bankruptcy]]. Actual [[principal photography]] could only begin in 1953, and took a further seven years to complete. The final budget of the film came to {{INR}}1.05 [[crore]], a record amount for that time.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/News-Feed/CinemaScope/Mughal-e-Azam-reliving-the-making-of-an-epic/Article1-329459.aspx|title=''Mughal-e-Azam'' : reliving the making of an epic|publisher=''Hindustan Times''|work=''Indo-Asian News Service''|date=August 7, 2008|accessdate=June 09, 2012|author=Burman, Jivraj}}</ref> The film was was also [[Dubbing (filmmaking)|dubbed]] in [[Tamil language]] as ''Akbar'',<ref>http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/56939.html</ref> and was planned to be dubbed in English as well. However, the Tamil-dubbed version performed very poorly at the box office, and Asif subsequently dropped the idea of dubbing the film in English with the voices of British actors.<ref>http://movies.ndtv.com/Ndtv-Show-Special-Story.aspx?ID=566&StoryID=ENTEN20100148884</ref>


Upon release, the film created [[box office]] records in [[India]]. ''Mughal-e-Azam'' netted an estimated {{INR}}5.5 crore at the domestic box office, which amounts to an estimated {{INRConvert|132.7|c}} when adjusted for inflation. It held the record for the highest-grossing Bollywood film of all time until the [[Bollywood films of 1975|1975]] film ''[[Sholay]]'' broke its unadjusted box office record.<ref name= tri/> In 2004, Sterling Investment Corporation released a restored color version of the film, which also became a commercial success.
Upon release, the film created [[box office]] records in [[India]]. ''Mughal-e-Azam'' netted an estimated {{INR}}5.5 crore at the domestic box office, which amounts to an estimated {{INRConvert|132.7|c}} when adjusted for inflation. It held the record for the highest-grossing Bollywood film of all time until the [[Bollywood films of 1975|1975]] film ''[[Sholay]]'' broke its unadjusted box office record.<ref name= tri/> In 2004, Sterling Investment Corporation released a restored color version of the film, which also became a commercial success.

Revision as of 02:58, 11 June 2012

For the 2008 comedy film, see Maan Gaye Mughal-e-Azam.
Mughal-e-Azam
Directed byK. Asif
Written byAman
Kamal Amrohi
K. Asif
Wajahat Mirza
Ehsan Rizvi
Produced byK. Asif
StarringPrithviraj Kapoor
Dilip Kumar
Madhubala
Durga Khote
Nigar Sultana
CinematographyR.D. Mathur
Edited byDharamvir
Music byNaushad
Production
company
Release date
5 August 1960
Running time
191 minutes
CountryIndia
Languages
Budget₹1.5 crore (US$180,000)
Box office₹5.5 crore (US$660,000)[1]

Mughal-E-Azam (English: The Greatest of the Mughals) is a 1960 Indian period epic film directed by K. Asif and produced by Shapoorji Pallonji under the banner of Sterling Investment Corporation. A retelling of a popular Indian tale, the film featured Prithviraj Kapoor, Dilip Kumar, Madhubala and Durga Khote in pivotal roles. Mughal-e-Azam loosely followed an episode in the life of the Mughal Prince Salim (who went on to become Emperor Jahangir), specifically his love for a court dancer Anarkali, which is disapproved of by his father, emperor Akbar, and envied upon by a superior dancer who wishes to be a queen.

The development of the film began in 1944 when Asif read a play which was set in the reign of Emperor Akbar. The film underwent a troubled production, facing a number of problems and halts due to communal tensions and financial uncertainty, almost to the point of bankruptcy. Actual principal photography could only begin in 1953, and took a further seven years to complete. The final budget of the film came to ₹1.05 crore, a record amount for that time.[2] The film was was also dubbed in Tamil language as Akbar,[3] and was planned to be dubbed in English as well. However, the Tamil-dubbed version performed very poorly at the box office, and Asif subsequently dropped the idea of dubbing the film in English with the voices of British actors.[4]

Upon release, the film created box office records in India. Mughal-e-Azam netted an estimated ₹5.5 crore at the domestic box office, which amounts to an estimated ₹132.7 crore (US$16 million) when adjusted for inflation. It held the record for the highest-grossing Bollywood film of all time until the 1975 film Sholay broke its unadjusted box office record.[5] In 2004, Sterling Investment Corporation released a restored color version of the film, which also became a commercial success.

Mughal-E-Azam is widely considered a classic, and is often recognized as a milestone in Indian cinema.[6] Contemporary critics have unanimously praised the film, commenting on its grandeur and quality. The film went on to win numerous accolades, notably one National Film Award and three Filmfare awards, and was also India's official submission for the Academy Awards. It remained one of only two films Asif ever directed, who left behind two unfinished films after his death.

Plot

Emperor Akbar (Prithviraj) and his Rajput wife, Jodha Bai (Durga) pray for a son. Akbar offers rituals to initiate the birth of a successor. After a child is born, the news is brought to the emperor by a maid. Overjoyed at his prayers being answered, the Emperor gives to the maid his ring and promises to grant her any one wish she asks.

The son, Prince Salim, grows to be a weak and pleasure-loving boy. His father sends him to war to learn courage and discipline. After 14 years, Salim returns as a distinguished soldier (Dilip Kumar). Salim falls in love with Anarkali (Madhubala), a court-dancer. (It was Anarkali's mother to whom Akbar gave his ring after Salim's birth). Salim wants to marry Anarkali and arranges secret meetings between her and himself. However, the jealous Bahaar, a dancer of a higher rank, wants the crown of India and she attempts to make the prince love her so she may ascend to queenship. Unsuccessful in winning Salim's love, she exposes the love between Salim and the dancer Anarkali. Salim pleads for Anarkali's hand, but his father objects and throws Anarkali into prison. Despite imprisonment, Anarkali refuses to reject Salim.

Salim rebels against his Akbar, is defeated in battle, and is sentenced to death by his own father. Before his sentencing, Akbar's subjects spontaneously erupt into a gathering and plead before the Emperor to not kill his only son, and the Empire's only prince. Anarkali too pleads for Salim's life in exchange for her own, and is condemned to death by entombment alive. Before her sentence is carried out, she pleads for a few hours alone with Salim as his make-believe wife. She is granted the wish, as she agrees to drug him afterwards so that he cannot interfere with her entombment. As she is being walled up, Akbar is reminded that he still owes a favour to Anarkali's mother, since she informed him of the birth of his son. Anarkali's mother takes advantage of this, and begs for her daughter's life. The emperor relents, and arranges for Anarkali's secret escape into exile. Unfortunately for Salim, it is still announced that Anarkali was killed, and he is heartbroken.

Cast

  • Dilip Kumar as Prince Salim, a pleasure-loving youth who returns as a distinguished military man after being banished to the battlefield.
Kumar was initially reluctant towards the idea of acting in a period film, but he accepted the role upon the insistence of the film's producer. Kumar visited London to test the wig he would wear in the film.[7]
  • Madhubala as Nadira, who is christened as Anarkali and becomes the court dancer after displaying impressive dancing abilities.[8]
  • Prithviraj Kapoor as Emperor Akbar, a dutiful ruler and strict father who strongly disapproves of his son's romance.
Prior to the filming of a scene, Kapoor would look into a mirror as tall as himself. When asked as to why he did so, he replied, "I do so to get under the skin of the character."

Production

Development

In 1944, K.Asif had read a famed stage-play[8] set in the 16th century, during the reign of Emperor Akbar, which revolved around the romance between a Prince and a commoner. He decided to adapt the play into a film, casting Chandramohan, Sapru and Nargis for the roles of Akbar, Salim and Anarkali respectively,[7] and being financially backed by Shiraz Ali (owner of the Mahalaxmi Studio). However, the project was abandoned due to political tension and communal rioting. Shortly after the Partition of India in 1947, Shiraz Ali migrated to Pakistan, leaving Asif without a financier.[9] Subsequently, he found a producer in business tycoon Shapoorji Pallonji, but the film could be started again only in 1951, featuring a new cast of Prithviraj Kapoor, Madhubala, Dilip Kumar, Durga Khote and Ajit. Tabla artist Ustad Zakir Hussain said, "I was considered for the role of the young Salim. But the role was eventually played by Jalal Agha."[8]

Filming

The filming crew included assistant director Rashid Abbasi, chief assistant director Khalid Akhtar, art director M. K. Syed and cinematographer R.D. Mathur.

The filming of the song "Pyar Kiya To Darna Kiya" ("I have loved, so what is there to fear?") remained one of the film's most discussed aspects. The sequence, showing Anarkali singing the song and dancing to it for the Mughal court, was filmed in the Sheesh Mahal of the Lahore Fort and cost ₹10 lakhs (more than the budget for an entire film at that time). The song was one of three sequences filmed in Technicolor. The presence of a large number of small engraved mirrors in the Sheesh Mahal caused problems since they would sparkle under the camera's lights. Consultants from Hollywood, including Sir David Lean, told Asif to give up on the idea since they felt that it was impossible to film the scene under the intense glare. Asif subsequently overcame the problem by covering all the mirrors with an extremely thin covering of wax, which got rid of their reflective nature and yet allowed clear vision. A report stated that Asif confined himself to the set for several days to observe the place from all angles in an attempt to rectify problems.

For the sequence of the battle between Akbar and Salim, 2,000 camels, 4,000 horses and 8,000 troops were used, many of them being soldiers taken from the Indian Army's Jaipur Regiment. This was arranged through special permission through the Ministry of Defence. For the film's clothing and stationery, tailors were brought from Delhi to stitch the costumes, specialists from Surat-Khambayat were employed for the embroidery, goldsmiths from Hyderabad made the jewellery, Kolhapuri craftsmen designed the crowns, Rajasthani ironsmiths crafted the weapons, and the footwear was bought from Agra. A statue of Lord Krishna, to which Jodhabai prayed, was made of pure gold. The chains Madhubala wore while filming the prison scenes were authentic, causing her significant pain and skin injuries.

Music

Untitled

The well acclaimed and successful soundtrack was composed by renowned musician Naushad and lyrics penned by Shakeel Badayuni.[10] Mughal-E-Azam's soundtrack was named by Planet Bollywood as the second best Bollywood soundtrack ever.[11] Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan did a very rare classical number, "Prem Jogan", that went on to become a classic.

No.TitleSinger(s)Length
1."Mohe Panghat Pe"Lata Mangeshkar and Chorus04:02
2."Pyar Kiya To Darna Kya"Lata Mangeshkar and Chorus06:21
3."Mohabbat Ki Jhooti"Lata Mangeshkar02:40
4."Humen Kash Tumse Mohabbat"Lata Mangeshkar03:08
5."Bekas Pe Karam Keejeye"Lata Mangeshkar03:52
6."Teri Mehfil Mein"Lata Mangeshkar, Shamshad Begum and Chorus05:05
7."Ye Dil Ki Lagi"Lata Mangeshkar03:50
8."Ae Ishq Yeh Sab Duniyawale"Lata Mangeshkar04:17
9."Khuda Nigehbaan"Lata Mangeshkar02:52
10."Ae Mohabbat Zindabad"Mohammed Rafi and Chorus05:03
11."Prem Jogan Ban Ke"Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan05:03
12."Shubh Din Aayo Raj Dulara"Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan02:49
Total length:49:02

The song "Ae Mohabbat Zindabad" had singer Mohammed Rafi with a chorus of 100 singers. The song "Pyaar Kiya Toh Darna Kya" was written and re-written 105 times by the lyricist, Shakeel Badayuni, before the music director, Naushad, could approve of it. At that time, as there was no way to provide for the reverberation of sound as heard in the soundtrack, Naushad had Lata Mangeshkar sing the song in a studio bathroom.

Release

Box office

The film was finally released on 5 August 1960, and in 150 theatres all over the country simultaneously, which itself was a record in those days. It became an instant hit and collected a record revenue which remained unsurpassed till G.P. Sippy’s Sholay broke it 15 years later.[5] The film netted ₹5.5 crore at the box office worldwide. Adjusted for inflation, this amounts to ₹132.7 crore and is ranked as an "All-Time Blockbuster".[1]

Reception

In 2004, Bollywood Hungama's Taran Adarsh noted "The grandiose look, the haunting musical score, the breathtaking battle scenes, the splendid performances, the heart-rending emotions, the legendary romance between Salim and Anarkali and of course, the confrontation scenes between Akbar and Salim? MUGHAL-E-AZAM will always remain a benchmark." He called the film a milestone in Indian cinema.[6] Anupama Chopra included the film at the top of her list of "The 20 Best Hindi Films Ever Made", writing "The romance between the prince and the dancing girl is the best Hindi film ever made. With its powerful performances, thunderous father-son drama and spectacular song and dance sequences, Mughal-e-Azam is the apotheosis of the Hindi film form."[12] Outlook Magazine, in an edition of May 2008, wrote that one of the scenes between Anarkali and Prince Salim, when he brushes her with a feather, is the most erotic scene in the history of Indian cinema.[13]

Awards

1961 National Film Awards
1961 Filmfare Awards
1961 Academy Awards (United States)

Re-release

Jhansi Ki Rani (1953) was the first colour film in India. By 1957, color filming was gaining an increasing presence in Indian films. Asif filmed one reel in Technicolor (which included the song "Pyar Kiya to Darna Kya'"). Impressed by the results, he filmed three reels near the film's climax in Technicolor. After seeing the results, he wanted to make the entire film in Technicolor, a decision which angered impatient distributors who were not willing to accept further delays. Asif subsequently released the film partially colored, though he wished to see the full film in a color version.

In November 2004, the entire film was restored and colorized in a year-long process undertaken by Sterling Investment Corporation, the original financiers of the film. For this purpose, it hired the services of the Indian Academy of Arts and Animation, which partnered with a number of companies including Acris Laboratories and Rajtaru Studios. The film's color version was released theatrically, making it the first full-length feature film in the history of world cinema to be colorized for a theatrical re-release (some Hollywood movies were colorized, but only for release on home media).[16]

The color release of Mughal-e-Azam completed a 25-week theatrical run, despite facing competition from three other films: Veer Zaara, Aitraaz and Naach. In 2006, Mughal-e-Azam marked the end of an Indian cinema ban in Pakistan since 1965, releasing in the country with a premiere in Lahore.[17]

Books

  • The Immortal Dialogue of K. Asif’s Mughal-E-Azam, with a foreword by Javed Akhtar, by Nasreen Munni Kabir, Suhail Akhtar. October 2006. ISBN 978-0-19-568496-4
  • Mughal-e-Azam : Ek Noor-Naqhat Bhari Daastaan, with a foreword by Salim Khan, by Sandeepa Padlia. January 2006
  • Mughal-e-azam, by Shakil Warsi. Rupa & Company, 2009. ISBN 81-291-1321-X

See also

References

  1. ^ a b "Boxofficeindia.com". Boxofficeindia.com. Retrieved 2011-08-28.
  2. ^ Burman, Jivraj (August 7, 2008). "Mughal-e-Azam : reliving the making of an epic". Indo-Asian News Service. Hindustan Times. Retrieved June 09, 2012. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help); Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |work= (help)
  3. ^ http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/56939.html
  4. ^ http://movies.ndtv.com/Ndtv-Show-Special-Story.aspx?ID=566&StoryID=ENTEN20100148884
  5. ^ a b Enduring appeal of Mughal-e-Azam by Jivraj Burman, The Tribune, 17 August 2008.
  6. ^ a b "Mughal E Azam (1960) | Hindi Movie Critic Review By Taran Adarsh". Bollywood Hungama. 2004-11-11. Retrieved 2012-01-07.
  7. ^ a b Burman, Jivraj (August 7, 2008). "Mughal-e-Azam: reliving the making of an epic". Indo-Asian News Network. Hindustan Times. Retrieved June 10, 2012. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help); Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |work= (help)
  8. ^ a b c Raheja, Dinesh (February 15, 2003). "Mughal-e-Azam: A work of art". Rediff. Retrieved June 10, 2012.
  9. ^ Kabir, N.M. & Akhtar, S. (2007). The Immortal Dialogue of K. Asif's Mughal-e-Azam. New Delhi: Oxford University Press.
  10. ^ "Mughal-E-Azam Audio CD cover". Retrieved June 09, 2012. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  11. ^ "100 Greatest Soundtracks Ever".
  12. ^ Chopra, Anupama. "Top 20 Movie Reviews". NDTV. Retrieved 2011-09-23.
  13. ^ Outlook (magazine). 13-19, May 2008. p. 54. Retrieved 22 August 2011. {{cite book}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  14. ^ "8th National Film Awards" (PDF). Iffi.nic.in. Retrieved 2011-08-28.
  15. ^ Filmfare Nominees and Winners
  16. ^ Talking telegram from Mughal-E-Azam Screen (magazine), 1 July 2005.
  17. ^ Immortal-e-Azam Rediff.com, 12 November 2004.

External links

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mughal-e-Azam&oldid=497000612"