And then the third Madhubala film that no serious list could ever be without is the immortal Mughal-e-Azam, first released in 1960 in black-and-white and then re-released in colour to equal worldwide success in 2005. What is there left to say about this movie that was the highest-grossing Bollywood movie right up until Sholay in 1975. It starred Madhubala alongside the true love of her life Dilip Kumar. Although they had been forced apart by convention for years, their chemistry on screen is heartbreaking. Of course, everyone knows the story. The great emperor, Akbar the Great has a weak and poetic son, Salim. Salim falls in love with Anarkali, a slave and dancing girl. The father of course objects – an imperious Prithviraj Kumar – and throws Anarkali in prison. Salim rebels against his father (Goodness! I can remember the whole plot and it’s been years since I saw it! That’s the impression it makes!). Anyway, Salim rebels against his father, loses, and is condemned to die. Anarkali pleads her life for Salim’s. Her wish is granted but in a horrifying scene, she is walled up…alive! To find out what happens next, you know what you must do!! The film took ten years to complete – the battle scene comprises of 2000 camels, 4000 horses and 8000 soldiers.
