Mughal-e-Azam is itself a timeless masterpiece of Indian cinema, etched in its memory by romance for ages. To remake this epic is to embark on a legendary path that requires not only exceptional performances but also the ability to dream. Well, a noted southern producer dared to dream and staged a casting coup that would change history; Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai — are at the heart of this ambitious vision.
Recently Mehul Kumar revealed an interesting call made by a south producer to Mehul’s number in Bollywood Tikkana. “We want to reinvent Mughal-e-Azam,” he declared, “and we want the Bachchan family to lead the charge.” In this regard Amitabh Bachchan Starring as Emperor Akbar, Jaya Bachchan as Jodha Bai, Abhishek Bachchan as Salim and Aishwarya Rai As Anarkali.
But when asked about this bombing plan, Mehul Kumar took an emphatic stance: “Mughal-e-Azam cannot be remade” He said K.Asif’s original movie wasn’t just celluloid.King Prithviraj Kapoor and Dilip Kumar defined toxic father-son relationships between Emperors Akbar and Salim in such iconic roles that will be remembered for generations. Learned from them at least. All attempts at repeating that magic will only invite comparisons.
What does Amitabh Bachchan himself think of this proposal? When the producers approached him, Amitabh suggested: “Talk to Mehul Kumar first.” And when the news reached Mehul’s ears, he chuckled: “Amitabh said, Mehul was right.” It is obvious that he knows very well how important history is cannot bring back another film.
The plot of Mughal-E-Azam (1940s) focused on Anarkali a tragic love story set in Delhi’s Mughal court. Madhubala, Dilip Kumar and Prithviraj Kapoor played characters who transcended the pages of history and became alive. Their chemistry and Shish Mahal’s grandeur are still remembered by us all.
