Prithviraj Kapoor’s grandson, Jatin Kapoor, recently shared on social media the inspiring tale behind the iconic ‘Shahenshah wali chaal’ in ‘Mughal-e-Azam’. He highlighted the dedication and practice that went into perfecting this legendary walk. In the film, Prithviraj Kapoor rehearsed extensively for the scene where Shahenshah walks barefoot in the scorching desert sand.
Jatin Kapoor mentioned that his grandfather practiced walking barefoot on hot sand for 300 to 400 meters at a stretch on Juhu beach in Mumbai to achieve authenticity. Even in close-up shots where his feet were not visible, Prithviraj Kapoor insisted on not wearing slippers. He aimed for complete authenticity in portraying the character.
To ensure perfection, Prithviraj Kapoor invited associates from Prithvi Theatre to watch his walk repeatedly until they felt he embodied the Shahenshah. Only then did he finalize the walk. Jatin Kapoor emphasized his grandfather’s passion for his craft, noting that Prithviraj Kapoor’s dedication knew no bounds, even if it meant sacrificing comfort for authenticity.
‘Mughal-E-Azam,’ released in 1960 and directed by K. Asif, is renowned as a monumental Indian film. It depicts the epic love story of Prince Salim and Anarkali. Starring Dilip Kumar as Prince Salim and Madhubala as Anarkali, the film is celebrated for its grandeur, elaborate costumes, and historical attention to detail. The music composed by Naushad, featuring timeless classics like “Pyar Kiya To Darna Kya,” added to its legacy.
