Alam ara [1931]
Ardeshir Irani’s Alam Ara told the story about two queens Navbahar and Dilbahar who were childless. A fakir predicts that the queen with a good heart would give birth to a son. The prediction comes true and Navbahar bears a child, much to the jealousy of Dilbahar. What further fills her with rage is when Adil the man who she fancies spurns her charms preferring to be loyal to his wife. Dilbahar sentences Adil to imprisonment. That very day his wife gives birth to Alam Ara who grows up in a gypsy camp. When she grows big, she visits the palace one night, to search for her father. The charm around her neck reveals her true identity. There she meets the young prince and falls for him. The truth is finally revealed. Adil is released and Dilbahar punished. Alam Ara was India’s first talkie cinema.


Pukar [1939]
Shorab Modi’s Pukar was a satirical comment on the British rule that had one set of rules when it came to the locals and another set when it came to their own people. The film takes a twist when the Empress while hunting accidentally kills a dhobi. The washerwoman petitions Jehangir eye for an eye justice. The Jehangir falls into a quandary. How can he give his son the same punishment that he bestowed upon the common man? Shorab Modi’s film successfully transferred you to the Mughal Era, making it one of the most successful filsm of its time.



Mirza Ghalib [1954]
Yet another blockbuster from the House of Modi films! Mirza Ghalib, a radical poet, who could challenge the best with his intricate use of Persianised Urdu and yet regale the masses with choice wit at the same time, knew he was not suited to for household chores and marriage. It was only a local courtesan, played by Suraiya who understood his heart. The film when released had made tremendous news so much so that the then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru had said, "Suraiya ne Ghalib ke rooh ko zinda kar diya".

Mughal-e-azam [1960]
Mughal-E-Azam happened to be the biggest hit of its time. The tale of lovers Anarkali and Salim moved people to tears. What made the film even more interesting were the tales that it carried off screen then on screen. The film was in the making for 15 years. It sparked deep emotions between its lead players Madhubala and Dilip Kumar. Mughal-E-Azam boasted of its own sheesh mahal, particularly noteworthy was cameraman RD Mathur’s work the captured the mirror work in its utmost glamour and glory. The film was made in a budget of over 1.5 crores an unheard of sum during those days.



Taj Mahal (1976)
Depicting the undying love of king Shahjahan (Pradeep Kumar) and Mumtaz (Bina Rai), Taj Mahal was directed by M Sadiq. The film had lot of Muslim history to support the story. Songs like 'Paon choo le ne do phoolon ko', 'Jo vada kiya who nibhana padega' kept the interests of the audience alive in the genre.