Bollywood Saturday: Ashok Kumar and Nargis Dutt created history with their magnum opus Humayun much before Bollywood experimented with the historical epic genre. Humayun, released in 1945 was a box office success and directed by none other than the legend Mehboob Khan. Mehboob directed a blockbuster of its time based on the life of Mughal Emperor Humayun, father of Emperor Jalal-ud-din Muhammad Akbar. Asok Kumar and Nargis played pivotal roles in the historical drama. Mehboob Khan later gave Nargis the best films of her career including Andaz (1949) a Mother India (1957). Ashok Kumar had already worked with Mehboob Khan on the 1945 classic For Rent (1943).Also Read – Bollywood Saturday: Did you know that Raj Kapoor got a sweet revenge on Raj Kumar in Mera Naam Joker?

Humayun was the blockbuster of 1945

Humayun it was one of the highest grossers of 1945 and was well received by audiences. Ashok Kumar, known for his flawless acting prowess, portrayed the young Prince Humayun. He later inherits the legacy of his father Mīrzā Zahīr ud-Dīn Muhammad alias Babur and becomes Badhshah Naseerudin Humayun. Nargis, the daughter of the famous Indian singer, music composer, dancer, actress, filmmaker, Jaddanbai Hussain acted in the film Hamida Bano Begum. Hamida Bano was Humayun’s wife and mother of his successor Akbar. Nargis had previously worked under Mehboob Khan v Taqdeer (1943). Also Read – Bollywood Saturday: Raj Kapoor took inspiration from Archies way before Zoya Akhtar

Nargis was the first choice for Mughal-E-Azam

Nargis’ artistry and craft have always been admired by audiences and critics alike. K Asif was impressed with the actor’s versatility and offered the character of Nargis Anarkali in Mughal-E-Azam opposite the king of tragedy Dilip Kumar. Nargis, who was a favorite of Raj Kapoor, was barred by the filmmaker from working on the epic love story. Raj Kapoor was possessive about his female leads and was completely against them working for a rival banner other than RK Studio. Humayun set in pre-independent India is one of the most successful classics of Hindi cinema – Ashok Kumar and Nargis. Also Read – Millionaire Overnight! Bihar Barber hits jackpot, wins Rs 1 million in IPL ‘Dream Team’ competition

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