Mughal-e-Azam (*ing Dilip Kumar, Madhubala)

Here's Filmi Geek's review: www.filmigeek.net/filmi_geek/2006/10/mughaleazam.html

Great stuff. There's so much to be said about this movie, but not a lot that hasn't already been said. It is surely a timeless epic that our generations and future generations can enjoy.

And what a wonderful cast assembled for this movie...really! The lead three get their due often enough, but there are some great supporting actors as well, including Ajit, who won my heart as a brave and stubborn yet ultimately kind-hearted Rajput; Nigar Sultana, who was very sneaky-sexy as court dancer Bahar; and Durga Khote, who, as Maharani Jodhabai, tugs at your emotions at her valiant attempt to remain strong even when her father and son seek to kill each other.

Some of my favorite moments (spoilers ahead):

-The "sing-off" between Anarkali and Bahar as they each try to win Salim's love.

-*Both* "feather scenes": The first is incredibly sensual and glues your eyes to the screen; the second, nearing the end, is heartstopping and becomes so, so sad when Salim becomes intoxicated and collapses on the ground, telling Anarkali he will protect her at all costs. That second feather scene is now probably my favorite Dilip Kumar moment, ever - these few seconds in particular.

-"Pyar Kiya To Darna Kya," basically where Anarkali gives the finger to Emperor Akbar while looking absolutely stunning in the process. Love the aerial shots of her skirt twirling around the ornate room and also the shots of her dancing in the many-paneled mirrors. Really cool cinematography there.

-"Ae Mohabbat Zindabad" sung by the sculptor, who is played by M. Kumar (he was in Shree 420, but neither IMDb nor Wikipedia lists a specific role for him in that movie. Was he the guy on the street saying, "Yeh Bombay hai Bombay?" (or something like that) Or the pawn shop owner?) Anyway, the "long live love" song sang as Salim is about to meet his death is powerful and reminiscent of a Bolly version of an epic like Julius Caesar.

-Anarkali's first appearance. I was quite startled when that marble statue started to move!

-The mesh of religions throughout the film. Obviously Islam is the most prominent, but through Jodha they worship Hindu gods like Krishna, and there are even Sikh warriors thrown into the mix. This kind of thing is one of the reasons I love Bollywood so much - you usually don't see this kind of religious mixing in a Hollywood film, and if you do, one group or the other is cast as the enemy!

-The ending. I did not expect that ending. I expected Akbar to carry on with executing Anarkali, but I like this version where he is merciful and lives up to the promise he made her mother, letting her live in peace and anonymity.

It's been a while since I've seen this, and now I'm going to have to pull it out of the bin and add it to the stack! One thing I remember is they literally made Madhubala's eyes sparkle and twinkle at one moment during the sing-off. I loved that so much, to me it was so Bollywood. And they did it so well! 

We totally did.  
Mughal-e-Azam was my first Madhubala.  I have a vivid memory of the first time I saw her.  I was traveling for work.  I had just finished taking several depositions (I was a lawyer then) and was spending my last night in a hotel before heading home.  I was pretty fried.  I popped the DVD in my computer and settled in to watch.  

Then, Madhubala.            

I must have backed up "Mohe panghat pe" and watched it three times before I was able to continue...

EDIT:  Look who's in my avatar these days (not from Mughal-e-Azam, obv). Shockingly not Shabana Azmi, I know...