The British Film Institute (bfi) is delighted to present a new print of Mughal-E-Azam as part of the culmination of ImagineAsia, an eight-month celebration of South Asian cinema. The film is released is to been screened at the NFT between 25th October - 6th November and thereafter at Cineworld cinemas in the UK.

First seen in 1960, Bollywood classic Mughal-E-Azam is the tale of an explosive confrontation between forbidden love and the iron laws of the state. One of Indian cinema's most magnificent epics, K. Asif's high-budget masterpiece took 17 years to make, and is famed for its lavish recreation of the days of Emperor Akbar. The film draws on the popular legend of the love affair between Anarkali, a beautiful court-dancer, and Prince Salim, whose passion leads to war with his father, the Emperor.

The most expensive and extravagant Indian film to date, Mughal-E-Azam was the biggest money-earner of its day. An all-star cast including Dilip Kumar, Madhubala and Prithviraj Kapoor, give powerful performances in sumptuous settings; fabulous Mughal palaces, breathtaking battle scenes and romantic bedchambers. R D Mathur's cinematography captures glorious song and dance sequences, with Naushad's outstanding score including two songs by noted classical singer Bade Ghulam Ali Khan. One song alone employed a chorus of 100 singers.

With films from Moulin Rouge to The Guru springing from the Bollywood phenomenon, this is a rare chance to see where it all began. Mughal-E-Azam was voted to number 8 in the ImagineAsia poll of Indian Cinema.

Click here to visit the NFT website.
Click here to visit the Cineworld website.