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Inset: Naushad; At the premiere Saira Banu and Dilip Kumar
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At 85, music director Naushad Ali is one the few surviving titans associated with the epic Mughal-e-Azam. Most of his colleagues associated with the project have passed into the ages, including illustrious director K Asif.

His unforgettable Pyaar kiya to darna kya has been an anthem for romantic rebellion ever since it was picturised in 1960.

He is very excited about the colourisation of the film and its new look for a new generation as it hits the screen on November 12.

Naushad spoke to Syed Firdaus Ashraf about recreating the music of the film from mono to Dolby sound. Here are some excerpts, accompanied by pictures of the Mughal-e-Azam premiere:

"I remember clearly when we were told to write Pyaar kiya to darna kya, the lyricist Shakeel Badayuni first came with lyrics like Prem kiya tha chori nahi kari.

I didn't like that and then he came up with the words 'Pyaar kiya to darna kya'. Me, the director, K Asif and Shakeelsaab sat through the night and finished the song by early morning.

Then a problem arose because Asifsaab wanted a line in the lyrics to insult Emperor Akbar, but subtly, with dignity. So we were caught in a bind. Shakeelsaab then came up with the line," 'Aaj kahenge dil ka phasana, jaan bhi chahye le leye zamana, parda nahi jab koi khuda se banda se parda kya'. Asifsaab immediately agreed, and I too said fine. It was six in the morning!

Access our exclusive Mughal-e-Azam section!

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Text: Syed Firdaus Ashraf | Design: Uday Kuckian | Photographs: Pradeep Bandekar



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