Taj Mahal is a 1963 Hindi historical romantic drama directed by M. Sadiq and produced by A. K. Nadiadwala. The film stars Pradeep Kumar as Prince Khurram/Shah Jahan and Bina Rai as Arjumand Banu/Mumtaz Mahal, with Veena, Rehman, Jeevan, Jabeen Jalil and Helen in important roles. The music was composed by Roshan, while the lyrics were written by Sahir Ludhianvi.
The film dramatizes the legendary love story of Prince Khurram and Arjumand Banu, who later become Emperor Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal. Their love faces opposition from Empress Noor Jehan, palace politics and struggles over the Mughal throne. The story ultimately leads to the creation of the Taj Mahal, Shah Jahan's monument to his beloved wife.
The story begins at the Meena Bazaar, where Prince Khurram first sees Arjumand Banu, the beautiful niece of Empress Noor Jehan.
Khurram and Arjumand immediately fall in love. Their affection grows despite the complicated politics of the Mughal court.
However, Noor Jehan opposes their relationship. She wants Khurram to marry her daughter Ladli Banu and therefore attempts to separate the two lovers.
Noor Jehan first tries to keep Arjumand away from Khurram. When this fails, she attempts to send Khurram away on military campaigns.
Khurram proves himself through his bravery and military victories and eventually receives the title Shah Jahan.
Noor Jehan continues plotting against him.
She then gets Saifuddin/Shahryar involved in a plan to eliminate Khurram. Khurram is attacked and seriously injured, but Arjumand helps him recover.
When Emperor Jahangir learns about Arjumand's loyalty and courage, he accepts their love and arranges their marriage.
Khurram and Arjumand are married, and Arjumand eventually becomes known as Mumtaz Mahal.
Their happiness, however, is affected by the political struggles within the Mughal Empire.
When Jahangir becomes seriously ill, Noor Jehan gains greater control over the court and attempts to prevent Khurram from claiming the throne.
Khurram is forced to fight against political enemies while also protecting his family and his claim to the Mughal throne.
The film follows his journey through war, political intrigue, betrayal and royal succession.
Eventually, Khurram succeeds and becomes Emperor Shah Jahan.
Mumtaz remains his beloved companion, but tragedy eventually strikes when she dies after giving birth to their child.
Shah Jahan is devastated by her death.
Unable to forget his beloved wife, he decides to build an extraordinary monument in her memory.
This monument becomes the Taj Mahal, which the film presents as the ultimate symbol of their enduring love.
The story therefore transforms a historical romance into an emotional tale about love, sacrifice, political struggle and remembrance.
Director: M. Sadiq
Producer: A. K. Nadiadwala
Production Company: Pushpa Pictures
Story & Screenplay: Qamar Jalalabadi
Dialogues: Tabish Sultanpuri
Music: Roshan
Lyrics: Sahir Ludhianvi
Cinematography: G. Balakrishna
Editing: Moosa Mansoor
Language: Hindi/Urdu
Genre: Historical, Romance, Drama, Musical
Runtime: Approximately 145 minutes
The music of Taj Mahal was composed by the celebrated music director Roshan, with lyrics by Sahir Ludhianvi. Much of the soundtrack was performed by Mohammed Rafi and Lata Mangeshkar.
“Jo Wada Kiya Woh”, sung by Mohammed Rafi and Lata Mangeshkar, became one of the most enduring romantic songs of Hindi cinema.
The film's music received major recognition at the 1964 Filmfare Awards. Roshan won Best Music Director and Sahir Ludhianvi won Best Lyricist.
Taj Mahal explores:
The central theme is the idea that true love can survive even after death, with the Taj Mahal becoming a lasting symbol of Shah Jahan's love for Mumtaz Mahal.
Taj Mahal was a commercial success and is especially remembered for its Roshan–Sahir Ludhianvi soundtrack. The film's portrayal of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal became one of the notable cinematic versions of their legendary love story.
The film is also particularly famous for “Jo Wada Kiya Woh”, which remains an iconic Hindi film love song decades after its release.