Mughal-e-Azam (K. Asif, 1960, 197 min.)

Our series presents films that influenced the genre as it developed from the 1960s to the present day. Beginning and ending in the golden age of Mughal emperor Akbar, it also showcases the arts and histories of Muslim civilizations.

At its premiere in 1960, this landmark film broke box office records in India, and went on to become the highest-grossing Bollywood film for another 15 years. Set in Emperor Akbar’s 16th-century court, Mughal-e-Azam follows the trials of Prince Salim, who falls in love with the beautiful courtesan Anarkali and wages war against his disapproving father. The film is worth watching for its battle scene alone, which involved a cast of 2,000 camels, 4,000 horses, and 8,000 soldiers!