Ranbir Kapoor as Salim to Deepika Padukone as Anarkali: Celebrating 63 years of Mughal-e-Azam by reimagining the cast in today’s time

Akash Bhatnagar

August 5, 2023
3:08 pm
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As Mughal-e-Azam completes 63 glorious years today, here's us reimagining the OG cast with actors from today's time. From Ranbir Kapoor to Deepika Padukone, here's who we think can fit the bill of the iconic characters.

mughal-e-azam, 63 years of mughal-e-azam

On August 5, 63 years ago, Indian cinema got one of its best films, Mughal-e-Azam, whose brilliance echoes in its history even today. The film released amidst a lot of skepticism and doubts, but it proved everyone wrong, emerging a success story that has been etched in history. The magic that the original cast of Prithviraj Kapoor, Durga Khote, Dilip Kumar and Madhubala created under the guidance of K Asif is unmatchable. However, to celebrate the film’s new milestone, we thought of reimagining it with a fresh cast from today. Let us know, what you think of the choices.

Mughal-e-Azam poster

Mughal-e-Azam poster featuring Dilip Kumar and Madhubala

Ranbir Kapoor as Salim

The character of Salim has been attempted a lot of times in Indian cinema, but none has created the magic that Dilip saab did. He gave a new lease of life to the character, showing its romantic and longing side. If there is one actor today who can show that romance and longing with as much ease and affect, it has to be Ranbir Kapoor.

Ranbir Kapoor as Salim

Ranbir Kapoor as Salim after Dilip Kumar

He has that depth in his eyes and the restraint in his skills. Plus royalty and Mughal-e-Azam runs in his blood. His great grandfather Prithviraj Kapoor has already played Akbar in the OG film. Meanwhile, we also considered Hrithik Roshan and Aditya Roy Kapur as some other options. Even they have the charisma to take up the iconic role.

Deepika Padukone as Anarkali

The lovestruck Anarkali became an iconic character thanks to Madhubala ji and her brilliant portrayal. Even today, people think of her first and then the character Anarkali whenever she is mentioned. If there is an actress today who can come close to that feat, it is Deepika. She has already proven that she fits the period era multiple times. And as Mastani, we saw she can portray that helplessness of love. Add to that the tried and tested Ranbir and Deepika chemistry. It is a sure shot winner.

Deepika Padukone as Anarkali

Deepika Padukone as Anarkali after Madhubala

Meanwhile, our other options for this role were Aditi Rao Hydari and Kiara Advani. The former has already done it on OTT while Kiara has all the capability to pull this iconic role off.

Anil Kapoor as Akbar

The role of Akbar requires gravitas and a strong aura that keeps everyone hooked. Prithviraj Kapoor did that effortlessly 63 years ago. And in today’s time, Anil Kapoor has that kind of a pull. He owns the screen whenever he is on it. He has that firmness required for the role and also the machismo and gravitas that goes with it. Him being the stand up ruler of the Mughal dynasty will surely be a treat to watch. Our other choices for this role were Sanjay Dutt and Jackie Shroff.

Anil Kapoor as Akbar

Anil Kapoor as Akbar after Prithviraj Kapoor

Madhuri Dixit as Jodha Bai

Durga Khote amazingly portrayed the helplessness of a mother, and at the same time, the royalty of a queen in her portrayal of Jodha. If there is a queen who can seamlessly show that transition on screen in today’s time, it has to be Madhuri Dixit. She is an expression queen and a bonafide star. Do we need any other reason to reimagine her as Jodha Bai? Meanwhile, the other names that came to our mind for the role were Juhi Chawla and Karisma Kapoor. The latter was a close second choice.

Madhuri Dixit as Jodha Bai

Madhuri Dixit as Jodha Bai after Durga Khote

Sanjay Leela Bhansali as the director

I don’t think anyone would even contest this choice. Period era is something only SLB can do perfectly on screen when it comes to today’s filmmakers. He has to be the ultimate and the only choice to take over the reins. A worthy successor to K Asif indeed.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali to direct after K Asif

Well, it is just our reimagination and nowhere we tend to say that the film needs to be remade. Mughal-e-Azam is a timeless classic and it will always remain so. We just wanted to celebrate its 63rd year with a fresh twist. Hope you also get a fresh imagination after our analysis. Meanwhile, let’s rush back to catch up with this epic saga of love once again to celebrate its 63 years.