The Enduring Legacy of Salim and Anarkali in Indian Cinema
The Timeless Tale of Salim and Anarkali
In the realm of Indian popular culture, the love story of Salim and Anarkali stands out as one of the most celebrated romances. Although the historical accuracy of their relationship is debated, the impact of cinema in preserving their narrative is undeniable.
Numerous film adaptations, many inspired by the renowned play Anarkali by Imtiaz Ali Taj, have enchanted audiences for decades. Notable among these are Nandlal Jaswantlal’s Anarkali (1953), featuring Pradeep Kumar and Bina Rai, and K Asif’s iconic Mughal-e-Azam (1960), starring Prithviraj Kapoor, Dilip Kumar, and Madhubala.
Prior to these cinematic renditions, the silent film Anarkali produced by the Imperial Film Company in 1928, which elevated Sulochana's fame, was released, followed by its talkie remake in 1935. If not for the foresight of Ardeshir Irani, the founder of Imperial Film Company, another film titled The Loves of A Mogul Prince would have been the first adaptation of this tragic romance.
Imtiaz Ali Taj's Journey
In 1922, while pursuing his Bachelor's degree at Lahore Government College, Imtiaz Ali Taj penned Anarkali. He acknowledged that the play was inspired by fictional tales he had heard since childhood, but it initially struggled to gain traction with local theatre companies.
Undeterred, Taj patiently awaited the right opportunity. Eventually, he persuaded a burgeoning film company to adapt his work for the silver screen. This company, the Great Eastern Corporation Limited, had recently enjoyed success with its first film, The Light of Asia (1925), a collaboration with Germany's Emelka Film Company.
The adaptation was titled The Loves of a Mogul Prince, with Charu Roy and his brother Prafulla Roy directing. Seeta Devi, born Renee Smith, was cast as the lead character, Nadira/Anarkali.
Casting Choices and Production
An intriguing aspect of the film was Taj's casting as the Mughal emperor Akbar, adding a unique layer to the production. Little is known about Swan Singh, who played Salim, except that he was based in Los Angeles.
Dewan Sharar, who portrayed Akbar’s aide Abul Fazl, would later become a prominent writer in Hindi cinema, notably working with V Shantaram.
The Loves of a Mogul Prince closely followed Taj’s original play. The narrative revolves around Nadira, a Persian merchant's daughter, who becomes a slave in Akbar's harem and is renamed Anarkali. The story takes a tragic turn when Anarkali falls in love with Salim, Akbar's son. Jealousy leads to Anarkali's imprisonment, and despite Salim's efforts to rescue her, she is ultimately entombed alive by the furious king.
Challenges and Competition
Encouraged by the success of The Light of Asia, Great Eastern Corporation Limited spared no effort in producing The Loves of a Mogul Prince. They received royal costumes from the rulers of Mandi, Suket, and Shekhupura, and the colonial government allowed them access to Mughal forts and palaces in Lahore, Delhi, and Agra.
The Archaeological Department of India, led by Sir John Marshall, and the Lahore Museum also provided assistance, resulting in a grand production that generated significant buzz.
However, Ardeshir Irani of Imperial Film Company quickly recognized the potential of the same story and launched his own film. The extensive production of The Loves of a Mogul Prince meant it would take longer to complete, while Imperial's efficient studio system allowed them to finish Anarkali swiftly.
Released on July 14, 1928, at Majestic Cinema in Mumbai, Anarkali overshadowed its competitor.
Reception and Legacy
The Loves of a Mogul Prince premiered on October 20, 1928, with promotional materials emphasizing its authenticity, claiming that all events were filmed at their actual locations. The film received commendation from Edward FL Wood, the Viceroy of India, who praised its cinematography.
Media reviews were generally positive, with the Times of India stating that the film would likely gain widespread popularity and showcase the advancements in Indian film production.
Despite its lavish production and positive reviews, The Loves of a Mogul Prince ultimately flopped, struggling to compete with Anarkali, which was re-released on the same day.
Imperial's sound remake of its silent film became an even greater success, leading to numerous adaptations of the Salim-Anarkali story, including a 1958 version in Pakistan featuring Noor Jehan.
K Asif’s Mughal-e-Azam remains the pinnacle of these adaptations, with references to the Salim-Anarkali saga continuing to appear in various media. However, the original adaptation by Taj has faded into obscurity.
Conclusion
Yasir Abbasi is an independent cinematographer and a keen follower of the history of Hindi cinema. He is the author of Yeh Un Dinon Ki Baat Hai: Urdu Memoirs of Cinema Legends (Bloomsbury, 2018).