Skip to content
Search
Please enter at least 3 characters.

Latest Stories

The story of how India’s greatest film Mughal-e-Azam was made

RAJKUMAR KESWANI'S NEW BOOK DAASTAN-E-MUGHAL-E-AZAM CHARTS THE JOURNEY OF AN EPIC

by ASJAD NAZIR


IT TOOK ace director K Asif 16 long years to make India’s greatest film Mughal-e-Azam, and to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the 1960 epic, ace writer Rajkumar Keswani released a meticulously researched book dedicated to it.

His new book  Daastan-e-Mughal-e-Azam was no less a labour of love and has taken him 15 years to write. The 392-page book reveals the spectacular stories behind the film, what kept director K Asif motivated, trivia, eye-opening anecdotes and glorious visuals, which include 25 images of 25 paintings dedicated to Mughal-e-Azam by late great artist MF Husain.

He has had full cooperation from K Asif’s family, including from his son Akbar Asif, who recently donated the Mughal-e-Azam screenplay to the Oscars library. The Hindi language book has received rave reviews, and it has been so popular that an English version is in the works.

Eastern Eye caught up with Rajkumar Keswani to discuss his epic book.

What first connected you to the film Mughal-e-Azam?

It was the songs and dialogues of the movie. I was just 10 when the movie got released in 1960 and used to hear so many of the rich dialogues being recited by people. The songs also enthralled me and my favourite was Ae Mohabbat Zindabad. As much as I loved the movie, I depended on my parents to watch it. I remember feeling pained when friends would get the opportunity to see the movie and return with the stories of grandeur and dialogues on their lips.

Do you remember finally getting to see the film?

Finally, one day, my father informed us that he had somehow been able to procure the tickets of the movie for the entire family. That was the evening when I got completely mesmerised and completely fell under the magic of the movie.

What inspired you to write Daastan-e-Mughal-e-Azam?

The echoes and images of Mughal-e-Azam always haunted me. In 2003, I resigned my job with NDTV to attend to my ailing wife. It was at that time when I took a firm resolve to write a book about K Asif, who by then had become a guiding star in my life. However, the speed of research was slowed down by me getting appointed editor of the largest circulated Hindi daily newspaper of India. I took retirement in 2009 and started devoting the required time to the project. So, another 11 years and the dream came true with the launch of Daastan-e-Mughal-e-Azam.

Tell us about the book?

In the past 60 years, a lot has been written about the movie. Hence, it was a challenge to go beyond all that repetition of the facts and fiction. It was a gigantic task to piece together the links of the story. I had to contact and convince the families of all those involved in the making of the movie. I had to dig fathom deep for the old time publications of various languages – ranging the period as wide as from the early 1940s to the present.

What was the biggest challenge of writing the book?

The challenge was to separate the fact from fiction. A lot of fiction, over a period of six decades, had got merged because of false claimers of the knowledge.

What do you think makes Mughal-e-Azam such a great film?

There are so many things, but in particular the art of storytelling. K Asif, on celluloid screen, has created a world where you automatically get transported to and become a part of it.

Why do you think the film is still so loved 60 years later?

Love is always loved, if it’s true and pure.

What's your favourite aspect from the making of the film?

You just cannot single out one aspect of the movie, which stands out or shines out over any other. That’s the greatest quality of the director, who maintained a great balance with every aspect of the movie and made everything complementary to each other.

What makes K Asif a great director?

Everything I just said, but also a great filmmaker not only controls or directs actors on the sets, but everyone involved in the making of the movie and inspires them. This one movie and all K Asif achieved with it is a perfect example of it. To make a Mughal-e-Azam you need to be K Asif.

How do you feel now the book is out?

I’m really glad to see the love the readers are showering over the story of my hero K Asif and now we are working on an English language version of it.

Why should we all get your book Daastane-Mughal-e-Azam?

It is a truly inspiring story. Also to know, what love can do to your existence.

More For You

Kylie Jenner

Kylie stunned in the form-fitting latex dresses

Instagram/ kyliejenner

Kylie Jenner stuns in revealing latex dress for new collaboration with POSTER GIRL

Kylie Jenner has once again left fans in awe with her latest fashion statement, unveiling a new collaboration with the British fashion label POSTER GIRL. The reality TV star, entrepreneur, and beauty mogul showcased a series of striking latex designs, turning heads with her bold and daring looks.

On Friday morning, Jenner announced the exciting partnership between her clothing company, KHY, and POSTER GIRL, sharing photos of herself modelling the eye-catching ensembles. The images, which quickly went viral, feature Kylie in form-fitting latex dresses that accentuate her curves, with one look in a seductive red and another in a sleek black design.

Keep ReadingShow less
Essence of Ramadan

Ramadan is a time for self-reflection and to become better human beings

Essence of Ramadan

Eastern Eye

THE word Ramadan conjures images of fasting, shared meals, and a sense of community, but there is a deeper, more profound purpose beneath the surface of this holy month for Muslims.

Ramadan is not just about abstaining from food and drink; it is a transformative journey of self-discovery, offering a chance to shed old habits and cultivate inner peace. It is a month of selfreflection, a time to become better human beings and reconnect with our values.

Keep ReadingShow less
Tanya Mehra: Online mom influencer making a major impact

Tanya Mehra

Tanya Mehra: Online mom influencer making a major impact

CERTIFIED child nutritionist Tanya Mehra’s mission to empower parents led her to become a popular mom influencer.

The online star has used her own life experiences and divorce to inspire parents, especially single mothers, to break free from toxic relationships, stand up for themselves, and achieve financial independence. She also offers top childcare tips, tackles taboos, and discusses the challenges of motherhood.

Keep ReadingShow less
NHS Greenlights New Daily Pill for Endometriosis Relief

This new pill can be taken at home

iStock

NHS approves new daily pill for endometriosis treatment in the UK

A new daily pill, relugolix-estradiol-norethisterone, designed to treat endometriosis, has been approved for use across England’s NHS. This medication provides a convenient and effective alternative to traditional treatments, offering relief for women suffering from this painful condition.

A Breakthrough in Endometriosis Care

Keep ReadingShow less
budget friendly spring destinations

Lock in affordable trips and avoid inflated prices

iStock

Top 7 budget-friendly spring destinations for 2025

With spring break just around the corner, it's time to lock in affordable trips and avoid inflated prices. Booking three weeks to a month in advance can help secure the best deals. Spring 2025 is shaping up to be a great time for travel, with airfares for international trips down by 3% and hotel rates decreasing by 2%, making it easier than ever to plan a memorable trip without breaking the bank. Here are seven top destinations to explore on a budget this spring.

1. Big Bear, California

Big Bear Lake, CaliforniaiStock

Keep ReadingShow less