64 Years Of Mughal-e-Azam: Saira Banu Recalls The Iconic Premiere Night, “There was this 'SHAHI FARMAAN’….”

64 Years of Mughal-e-Azam: On the 64th anniversary of the release of the iconic film Mughal-e-Azam, veteran actress Saira Banu shared a heartfelt post, recounting the grandeur and excitement surrounding the film's premiere. The epic historical romance, directed by K. Asif, remains one of the most celebrated films in Indian cinema. Saira Banu's vivid memories transport us back to an era of cinematic splendour and personal dreams.

Saira Banu Reminisces The Iconic Night Of The Premier Of Mughal-e-Azam

Saira Banu began her post by reflecting on the sheer scale and vision of Mughal-e-Azam, which took years for the legendary director K. Asif to bring to life. She painted a picture of an enthralling epic filled with romance and spectacle, unmatched in Indian cinema.

"When we talk about 'MUGHAL-E-AZAM,' there is a vision of the great historical epic which took years for Mr K. Asif to put together into an enthralling epic full of romance and spectacle such as never witnessed on the Indian Screen," she wrote. "I remember we had just come home to Mumbai from abroad and there was this 'SHAHI FARMAAN' which we had received. There was cacophony all around and terrific excitement within the Film Industry and the avidly eager masses to eventually have the gift of witnessing this thrilling and spectacular romance between Prince Salim, the Emperor's Son who falls in love with the most beautiful courtesan Anarkali even though this liaison is strongly vetoed by Shahenshah Akbar who decides to break them apart."

The excitement and anticipation surrounding the film's premiere were palpable. Saira Banu described the frenzy among fans and the industry alike, eager to witness the historic romance on the big screen. The premiere was nothing short of a royal affair, with a 'SHAHI FARMAAN' (royal decree) sent out to invitees and a print of the film ceremoniously delivered to the theatre on bejewelled elephants.

"This was the aura and splendour of the moments of the 'Premiere' of 'MUGHAL-E-AZAM,'" she continued, "that craze of loving fans who in their expectancy to access the tickets to the First Show literally slept with 'BORIYA BISTAR' on the pavements outside the theatre 'MARATHA-MANDIR.' For the Film Industry people, a Silver encased 'SHAHI FARMAAN' was forwarded which contained the ornate Invitation. The Spectacular Print to be screened in the Theatre was ceremoniously placed on bejewelled Elephants that royally brought the Reels to the Theatre. Wow!"

Amidst all this grandeur, Saira Banu shared her anecdote of being a young girl with dreams of catching the eye of the film's star. She spent days preparing herself, hoping to stand out and be noticed.

"All this splendour apart, young and smitten by Sahib's aura, little Ms. Saira Banu, daughter of Naseem Banuji was building her own dreamy castles in the sand," she reminisced. "I thought this was the opportunity for me to see Sahib and of course he would look at me and like me immediately and my dream of being his Love could fructify Ha Ha Ha!!! I spent 6 Days in oiling and washing my very long tresses standing in the sun to get that glow on my hair and skin. I filed and re-filed my long nails, putting on every nail polish that he would like Pearl, Pink and Ruby. People from above the flat would gaze down to the Balcony where I stood and share all my capers, amongst which were Apa Sayeeda (Sister of Actress Waheeda Rehman ji) who would meet me in the Lift and admire my long hair, my nails and tell me that she loved the way I was looking. The instances that followed after my 6-day routine are interesting, I shall talk about it tomorrow."

Saira Banu's nostalgic recounting captures the film's magnificence, her personal aspirations, and youthful dreams during the premiere. The post is a beautiful tribute to both the film and the golden era of Bollywood.

More About Mughal-e-Azam

Mughal-e-Azam was released on August 5th, and it starred Madhubala as Anarkali, Dilip Kumar as young prince Salim, and Prithviraj Kapoor as Emperor Akbar.

For the unversed, Dilip Kumar and Saira Banu got married in 1966.