39: The Great Epic: Mughal-e-Azam

39: The Great Epic: Mughal-e-Azam

Author: Bollywood is For Lovers April 26, 2017 Duration: 56:59

We discuss the lavish 1960 epic Mughal-e-Azam

Show notes:

Mughal-e-Azam (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mughal-e-Azam)

Erin is nervous to discuss this film

Comparisons to Gone With The Wind (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GonewiththeWind(film)) and Cleopatra (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cleopatra(1963film))

K. Asif (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/K._Asif) and production setbacks

Every individual production element cost more than the entire budget of most other films

Intolerance (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intolerance(film)), Foolish Wives (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FoolishWives), and Greed (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greed_(film))

Beautiful Ruins (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beautiful_Ruins)

Filmed thrice

The set was too glittery (https://media.giphy.com/media/Kd9IQloZWxEEU/giphy.gif)

Huge cast

Technicolor (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Technicolor), “Pyar Kiya To Darna Kya (https://youtu.be/6AuJ6jHKE0),” and colourisation (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Filmcolorization)

Unknown Armies (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unknown_Armies)

“Ae Mohabbat Zindabad (https://youtu.be/u0CIZv9Y5n4)”

Dilip Kumar (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dilip_Kumar) and Madhubala (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madhubala)

Bollywood Parks Dubai’s Mughal-e-Azam (https://www.bollywoodparksdubai.com/en/attractions/mughal-e-azam)

Historical accuracy (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anarkali)

(INTERVAL (“Teri Mehfil Mein” (https://youtu.be/TC7LyI1GVYw)” from Mughal-e-Azam)

We still can’t speak Hindi

Lean narrative, no excess characters

There actually was a stage play before the film, and a film adapted from it (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anarkali(1953film))

Poetic dialogue

“Impossible Dreams (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Impossible_Dreams)”

Spectacle and narrative

Father/son tension

The film as metaphor for India

Execution methods

NEXT TIME: Variant Edition (https://twitter.com/VariantEdmonton) owner and prolific podcaster Brandon Schatz (https://twitter.com/soupytoasterson) joins us to discuss the Krrish franchise

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#Mughal-e-Azam #K.Asif #DilipKumar #Madhubala #PrithvirajKapoor #DurgaKhote #NigarSultana #Bollywood #BollywoodPodcast #BollywoodIsForLovers


There's a particular magic to the stories told through Indian cinema, a vibrant world that extends far beyond the dancing and spectacle it's often simplified to. Bollywood is For Lovers digs into that richness, treating each film as a conversation starter rather than just a review. Each episode feels like pulling up a chair with friends who are deeply passionate about the craft, history, and cultural impact of these movies. You'll hear thoughtful discussions that explore why a certain soundtrack resonates decades later, how a director's visual style shapes the narrative, or what a classic film reveals about the time it was made. This podcast appreciates the grand romantic gestures but is equally invested in the nuanced performances, the clever screenwriting, and the technical artistry behind the scenes. It’s for anyone who already loves this cinematic universe or for the curious viewer ready to look past the surface. The hosts' genuine enthusiasm makes even the most analysis-driven episodes feel warm and accessible, building a community of listeners who share a deep appreciation for film as an art form. Tune in for a fresh, engaging perspective that celebrates Bollywood in all its complexity.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 213

Bollywood is For Lovers
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