Akbar and Birbal are a legendary subject of folklore in India. This feature-length drama looks at the historical 16th century Mughal emperor and his friendship with a Hindu bard, who according became a close companion and member of his inner circle. 

SYNOPSIS:

A Muslim emperor tries to create a secular state and rule fairly over Hindus and Muslims with the help of his Hindu nobles, Hindu wives and close friend Birbal, while others oppose his reforms. Badauni, a bigoted courtier, laments the emperor's command to translate the religious texts of the Hindus. The film opens with the meeting between Akbar and the Jesuits on his military campaigns in western India. They are invited to his court to participate in interfaith discussions that the Emperor holds weekly and explain Christianity. Meanwhile the artists in the royal studio marvel over the European prints and paintings that have been brought in. Akbar eventually founds what some have called a new religion, which is a synthesis of many beliefs. Birbal becomes a member of Din-illahi.

Eventually Birbal is killed when Akbar sends him to lead a campaign in Afghanistan. The Emperor's grief and mourning for his mentor and soulmate, based on a historic document, ends the film.

Based partially on my book Akbar & Birbal Penguin, 2005.