9 lesser-known facts about Mughal-E-Azam, an epic love story that came to life in 16 years

Mughal-E-Azam is considered one of the finest films in India to date. Released on August 5, 1960, the K Asif directorial was first made in black and white but later restored in 2004 and released in colour. The historical drama starred Dilip Kumar, Madhubala and Prithviraj Kapoor as Salim, Anarkali and Akbar respectively. The songs of the movie were digitally restored as well for the film's re-release.

The movie was initially announced in 1944 with Nargis Dutt and Sapru. When the shooting began in 1950, the lead pair was replaced and Dilip Kumar and Madhubala stepped in to play the iconic duo of Salim and Anarkali. The financier of the movie Shapoorji Pallonji was advised to shelve the project but he paid no heed to naysayers. The rest, as they say, is history. Here's some interesting trivia about the movie.

• The movie was made on a budget of ₹1.5 crore, which was 10 times the budget of movies that were being shot at that time.
• War sequences in the film were shot with 2000 camels, 4000 horses and 8000 juniors as soldiers
• It is the first full feature-length movie in the history of Indian cinema to be revived/colorized for a theatrical re-release. 
• The movie stopped filming during the Partition as the producer Shiraz Ali moved to Pakistan. Shapoorji Pallonji then stepped in and supported the movie, with director K Asif directing it.

• Shapoorji had no background in filmmaking but stepped in to play the producer's role due to his personal interest in the character of Akbar.
• Mughal-E-Azam remained the highest-grossing Indian film for 15 years until Sholay (1975) released and claimed the title at the box office.
• The movie's shooting was delayed due to Dilip Kumar and Madhubala's break up during the filming.
• The set construction used small mirrors made from Belgian glass. It took 2 years to construct the set and ₹15 lakh was spent on it back in time.
• Pyaar Kiya Toh Darna Kya was initially filmed in colour by K Asif. But, after seeing the results, he shot 3 more reels in colour towards the climax of the movie.