Set in 16th century AD, Mughal-e-Azam tells the story of doomed lovers, court dancer Anarkali (Madhubala), and Prince Salim (Dalip Kumar). Their relationship makes us ponder if we have ever seen a pair so sheathed in ardour, passion and despair as every caress, touch and breath they take exudes the power of true love. When Prince Salim’s father Emperor Akbar (Prithviraj Kapoor) learns of their love, he is furious and does his best to thwart the romance saying a commoner could never be the empress of India.

Though the love story is the backbone of the film, it is Akbar's dilemma that is placed centre stage as he is torn between love for his only son and the demands of the Mughal Empire. Salim however is adamant and rebelliously leads an army against his father. He is defeated in battle and brought before Akbar who sentences him to death. Anarkali agrees to sacrifice her life for Salim to be spared and after spending the night with him is taken to be entombed alive in a brick wall.

But is Anarkali ever rescued and reunited with her lover? Does Emperor Akbar ever accept the relationship and defy the rules of his kingdom? Mughal-e-Azam evocatively, passionately and endearingly reveals the answers to the above, whilst captivating a mesmerised audience …