Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

My top 10 reasons why Mughal-e-Azam is India’s greatest film - Deepesh Salgia

SHAPOORJI PALLONJI produced Bollywood’s greatest epic Mughal-e-Azam, which celebrates its 60th anniversary this month. Deepesh Salgia is currently the director of Shapoorji Pallonji Real Estate and produced the colourised Mughal-e-Azam in 2004 for Shapoorji Pallonji, as well as Mughal-e-Azam: the Musical in 2016 (directed by Feroz Abbas Khan). He also released a special edition book (written by Nasreen Munni Kabir), featuring the screenplay of the film. Also, an ardent fan of cinema history, Salgia detailed the top 10 elements that helped turn Mughal-e-Azam into India’s greatest film.

Costumes: One would wonder why someone would spend so much money on costumes when Mughal-e-Azam was predominantly in black and white, but Asif saab didn’t compromise and paid attention to everything. So, he got the best and most authentic costumes to capture the feel, shine, shimmer and detailing. The benefit of that came when in 2004 we colourised the film. It looked so gorgeous and real because the original content was so nice. Had Asif saab compromised on the costumes because it was a black and white film, it wouldn’t have been so good in colour. So, that is the beauty of his dedication, devotion and detailing that went into Mughal-e-Azam and especially the costumes.


Production design: A period film is nothing without good production design, which is extremely key for the look and feel. A speciality of the Mughal-e-Azam art direction is that everything was on a big scale. Despite the scale being so grand, the detailing was not compromised. So, if there is a long shot or close-up, everything looks just authentic. Even if you watch it today, you will feel that authenticity. It has not dated at all, like many other films made in that era. It looks as good as if it’s made today. It is a tribute to the number of artisans that were involved, who spent months creating each set.

Cinematography: Any kind of performances, grand scale or costumes makes no sense if there is no good cinematography. RD Mathur saab did wonders with every shot, from the low camera angles in the war sequences, the high shots in the palace scenes to the outstanding close-ups in capturing the beauty of Madhubala; he shows off the sheer diversity of the cinematographer. How can one forget the way he shot Pyar Kiya To Darna Kya, which is a story in itself of how technically brilliant Mathur saab was.

Script and screenplay: A big strength of the film is the script and screenplay. A testament to the great writing is that the same script worked in the 1960s, in 2004 when it was re-released fully in colour and now as a musical play. It is not possible for a script or screenplay to work like that for 60 years and remain so relevant. When we colourised it, initially, we thought let us cut out a few scenes because older films were much longer, but we couldn’t do it because every scene is so crucial. The cross-linkages between scenes are well structured and tightly knit. Hats off to the writers for their amazing work.

Dialogues: Some would argue the dialogues were not easy to understand and in very chaste Urdu. Communication is not just verbal, but also vocal, visual and visceral. By visceral I mean the energy and power of the dialogue. That is strong, so even if you don’t know the full meaning of Urdu terms used in the dialogues, you can still get the meaning behind them. That is a big beauty of Mughal-e-Azam. Even those audience for whom Hindi and Urdu is not their first language enjoy the dialogues with the same intensity because they are so strong.

Characterisation: Every character is well etched out and has a unique space in Mughal-e-Azam. No character dominates another. So when Akbar and Anarkali confront one another, they are like equals. Asif saab was so particular about characterisation that someone suggested to him there should be a main lead song also, with Salim singing, but he was very particular that his Salim would be a true well-mannered prince, and singing would dilute the character. He was very particular about his characterisation and that’s why they are so well delineated.

Director’s vision: The director’s vision in Mughal-e-Azam is defined by the three C’s, which are conviction, convincing power and no compromises. K Asif saab had conviction in the product, throughout all the delays and setbacks. He had full belief in the project from 1944 and believed Anarkali’s story on the big screen would be beyond anyone’s imagination. Secondly, he convinced people to join him in his vision. He was a man in his 20s who hadn’t done a major film, but convinced Shapoorji Pallonji to fund the biggest Indian film ever made. He also convinced the entire cast, crew, scriptwriters, singers, musicians and everyone else. Thirdly, there were no compromises in Mughal-e-Azam.

Producers unending support: Every big vision requires someone to back it. The backing is not just about financial support, but also about providing moral support and having belief in the project. Shapoorji could afford to lose money but not his reputation. So, it is his reputation at stake in the film; therefore, it is significantly larger than the financial capital that he had invested in it. In real sense, he was not a financier but a true partner in the vision. With a continued belief and backing for a decade – there is no other example of such support in the history of filmmaking in India.

Music: The music Naushad saab created for Mughal-e-Azam was grand, classical and yet popular. To meet all these three things is an almost impossible task, but he achieved it. After 60 years when the songs are played during the theatrical version of Mughal-e-Azam, they still have the same magic as the audience feels the energy pass through them when the songs are performed live. That is the power of timeless music and the lyrical magic created by Shakeel Budayani saab. The applause in the theatres when the play is performed is a big salute by audiences to the composer.

Performances: Normally, a film is known just for the performance of the one or two actors, but what is special about this film is that all the performances are outstanding. You cannot say one actor performed better than another. Each actor is so immersed that what the audiences see is only the character and not the actor. Every actor went deep into their respective role and became the character. It is impossible to choose, which actor was better as they all were so good. That is a major milestone of Mughal-e-Azam.

More For You

Angelina Jolie’s Oscar snub sparks feud rumours: Did Brad Pitt and Hollywood turn against her?

Jolie’s Oscar snub reignites Hollywood tensions as sources claim Pitt’s influence

Getty Images

Angelina Jolie’s Oscar snub sparks feud rumours: Did Brad Pitt and Hollywood turn against her?

Angelina Jolie is reportedly reeling from her unexpected exclusion from this year’s Academy Award nominations for Maria, despite critical acclaim for her portrayal of opera legend Maria Callas. Sources claim Jolie believes her ex-husband Brad Pitt orchestrated a silent campaign to keep her out of Hollywood’s most prestigious race.

Jolie and Pitt’s turbulent relationship, which ended in a highly publicised 2016 split and a divorce finalised in 2019, continues to be a topic of contention. Their disputes, including allegations of abuse on a 2016 flight, have reportedly strained Pitt’s relationship with their children, who has distanced themselves from him and even dropped his last name.


Keep ReadingShow less
Will 'Bridgerton' season 4 have the biggest twists so far? Here’s what the sneak peak reveals!

A glimpse into Bridgerton Season 4: Romance, drama, and intrigue await in the highly anticipated new chapter

Instagram/bridgertonnetflix

Will 'Bridgerton' season 4 have the biggest twists so far? Here’s what the sneak peak reveals!

Netflix has given fans a tantalising glimpse into the upcoming fourth season of Bridgerton, just in time for Valentine’s Day. The sneak peek, shared on February 14, gives us behind-the-scenes moments and fresh footage from the new episodes, which are currently in production. The season will centre on Benedict Bridgerton played by Luke Thompson, the free-spirited second son of the Bridgerton family, as he navigates love and societal expectations. His story takes a dramatic turn when he encounters the enigmatic “Lady in Silver,” Sophie Baek, played by Yerin Ha, at a lavish masquerade ball hosted by his mother.

The teaser also introduces three new characters: Lady Araminta Gun (Katie Leung) and her daughters, Rosamund Li (Michelle Mao) and Posy Li (Isabella Wei), who are set to stir up the marriage market. Familiar faces will also return, including Jonathan Bailey as Anthony Bridgerton, Simone Ashley as Kate Sharma, and Ruth Gemmell as Violet Bridgerton. Fans of Penelope and Colin will be pleased to see them back, with a still image hinting at their growing family.

Keep ReadingShow less
Best love triangles in Bollywood
Silsila

Best love triangles in Bollywood

BUILT on a foundation of romance, Bollywood has explored all kinds of love stories over the decades.

The most compelling, dramatic, and popular genre has been the love triangle, which has entertained millions since the black-and-white era.

Keep ReadingShow less
Ranbir Kapoor launches his lifestyle brand 'Arks' in Mumbai

Ranbir Kapoor launches ARKS- Premium sneaker collection, blending style, comfort, and his personal fashion journey.

Instagram/ARKS

Ranbir Kapoor launches his lifestyle brand 'Arks' in Mumbai


Bollywood actor Ranbir Kapoor has stepped into the fashion industry with his lifestyle brand, Arks. The brand’s flagship store, located at 201 Waterfield Road in Bandra, Mumbai, officially opened on February 15. A decade in the making, Arks focuses on premium footwear and wardrobe essentials, including tailored shirts, classic white T-shirts, and well-fitted trousers. Reflecting Kapoor’s signature style, the brand blends sophistication with a relaxed, everyday aesthetic inspired by his cinematic journey and personal fashion evolution.

Kapoor credits Mumbai, his hometown, as a key influence in shaping Arks . “I’ve travelled to many cities, but nothing matches Mumbai’s energy. This city teaches you to rise after every fall. It’s a part of my soul,” he said. The brand embodies this resilient and dynamic spirit, aiming to offer stylish yet comfortable pieces that resonate with urban lifestyles.

Keep ReadingShow less