When we talk about epics in Indian cinema, Mughal-E-Azam is one of the first films that comes to our mind. It was not just another period drama but a true passion project for director K Asif. With Dilip Kumar (Prince Salim), Madhubala (Anarkali) and Prithviraj Kapoor (Emperor Akbar), the film had some of the most iconic performances. From its cinematic grandeur and unforgettable music to innovative techniques and record-breaking success, Mughal-E-Azam had it all. But the film's legacy goes beyond that. The years of dedication, unwavering passion and its timeless impact make it not only a landmark film in history but also a lesson in ambition and cinematic excellence. As the film completes 65 years today, we look back at some interesting facts about Mughal-E-Azam and its enduring legacy. 16 Years in the Making Great things don't happen overnight. K Asif read a play called Anarkali, written by Imtiaz Ali Taj in 1944. He originally decided to cast Chandramohan, D.K. Sapru, and Nargis for the roles of Salim, Akbar, and Anarkali, respectively, before the roles were made immortal by Dilip Kumar, Prithviraj Kapoor, and Madhubala. However, Chandramohan died of a heart attack in 1949, and after partition, Shiraz Ali, the financier, migrated to Pakistan. Following this, Shapoorji Pallonji agreed to finance the film despite knowing nothing about film production. The shooting with the present cast began in the early '50s, and it was finally released in 1960, almost 16 years after the idea was first conceived. The crucial writing team comprised Asif, Aman (Zeenat Aman's father), Wajahat Mirza, Kamaal Amrohi and Ehsan Rizvi. The Challenge of Lighting The lighting proved to be the most troublesome aspect, especially for the Sheesh Mahal sequence, which was made using thousands of small pieces of Belgian glass, designed by workers from Firozabad. K Asif came up with the idea of coating the glass with a thin coat of wax to reduce the intensity of the reflection. Cinematographer R. D. Mathur then used strategically placed strips of cloth to implement bounce lighting and reduce glare. The Most Expensive Film of Its Time The film was made at a cost of over Rs 1.5 crores, and the makers went way beyond the budget. It was the most expensive Hindi film ever produced back in its time. The Sheesh Mahal set, which took two years to build, cost around ₹15 lakhs in 1960, which was more than the budget of an entire Hindi film from that time. Madhubala Was Paid The Highest Signing Amount The role of Anarkali was first offered to Nutan, followed by Suraiya and then Madhubala. The actress was advanced paid Rs 1 lakh upon signing the film, which was the highest sum for any actor back then. Madhubala and Dilip Kumar's Tumultuous Relationship Salim brushing Anarkali's face with a feather is considered to be the most romantic scenes ever filmed, but Madhubala and Dilip Kumar were reportedly not talking to each other. Her relationship with the late actor was said to have ended at one point during the long and delayed shooting schedule. In his autobiography, Dilip Kumar mentioned that despite not being on talking terms during that scene, they worked as professionals. Secular Symbolism Mughal-E-Azam was also one of the first films post-partition to portray the religious tolerance between Hindus and Muslims. Some instances in the film depicted secularism, such as Hindu Queen Jodhabai's presence in Akbar's court or Anarkali singing a Hindu devotional song. In another scene, Akbar took part in Janmashtami celebrations and also rocked a swing with an idol of Lord Krishna. It acted as a cultural bridge between India and Pakistan as the colour version of the film made history as the first Indian film to be released in Pakistan after the ban on Hindi films following the 1965 Indo-Pak war. Authenticity in Every Frame In the scenes involving an imprisoned Anarkali, the chains Madhubala wore were authentic. They weighed a lot, and the late actress wore it despite her already existing health issues to make the scenes more realistic. The battle sequence between Akbar and Salim also featured 2000 camels, 4000 horses and 8000 troops, mainly from the Indian Army's Jaipur Cavalry. The scene also had some real soldiers. For the song Ae Mohabbat Zindabad, Mohammad Rafi had a backup chorus of 100 singers! Jalal Agha's Debut Jalal Agha made his debut in Hindi cinema by playing young Jehangir in Mughal-E-Azam. A young Zakir Hussain was also considered for the role. The late tabla maestro later said, "I was considered for the role of the young Dilip Kumar. But the role was eventually played by Jalal Agha." A Grand Pan Indian Collaboration To bring his vision to life, K Asif got artisans from every corner of India to work on Mughal-E-Azam. Makhanlal and Company and Delhi-based tailors handled the intricate Mughal costumes. The footwear came from Agra, a city steeped in Mughal history, and the elaborate crowns were created in Kolhapur. The shields, swords and other arm