"I feel proud to be a part of this film."
Bollywood monarchs adorn Indian films with command and authority.
These characters are carefully crafted, decorated with intricate costumes, and some of the most talented actors portray them.
But behind the robes and ornaments are brave and smart monarchs who must make difficult decisions.
The Hindi film industry has never shied away from building complicated characters.
These kings and queens illustrate that.
DESIblitz invites you on a regal journey through the kingdom.
We proudly present eight Bollywood monarchs that will entertain and inspire you.
Emperor Akbar – Mughal-E-Azam (1960)
K Asif’s Mughal-E-Azam is an enduring Bollywood classic that stands the test of time.
As Emperor Akbar, Prithviraj Kapoor eclipses every frame he walks into.
A man of principles and ethics, Akbar is livid when his son Prince Salim (Dilip Kumar) falls in love with Anarkali (Madhubala).
Anarkali is a courtesan, and therefore, an alliance with the prince cannot be permitted.
Prithviraj Sahab invests his soul into Akbar’s character.
He masters the juxtaposition between a king’s duty and the emotions of a father.
This not only makes Mughal-E-Azam a grand picture but also makes it one of Bollywood’s most hard-hitting father-son dramas.
Raja Puran Singh – Lagaan (2001)
In Ashutosh Gowariker’s epic Lagaan, Bhuvan (Aamir Khan) is the axis of the film.
However, that does not discredit the presence of Raja Puran Singh, who is brought to life by Kulbhushan Kharbanda.
Puran Singh is shocked when the sadistic Captain Andrew Russell (Paul Blackthorne) demands a double amount of land tax from the king’s villagers.
The king wishes to cancel the tax for the drought-stricken farmers but cannot do so.
Bhuvan then accepts a bet from the British Empire that will cancel the taxes for three years if the villagers beat the British in a game of cricket.
Before the match begins, Puran Singh blesses the villagers and says: “Make these officers bite the dust.
“Trample Captain Russell’s ego.”
Throughout the match, we see Puran Singh applaud, cheer, and reward the villagers for their prowess.
That makes him one of the best Bollywood monarchs onscreen.
Rajkumari Jodhaa Bai – Jodhaa Akbar (2008)
Jodhaa Akbar features Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Hrithik Roshan as the titular royals.
It is a canvas of opulence and grandeur.
Jodhaa is heartbroken when she is forced to marry Emperor Akbar in a marriage of alliance.
She does not allow Akbar to touch her or talk to her. However, she eventually warms up to him after seeing his gentleness.
Jodhaa is also headstrong, demonstrated in the way she stands up to Maham Anga (Ila Arun) and showcases her talent in sword-fighting.
Aishwarya is tender and passionate in the role. Her onscreen chemistry with Hrithik is the lamp that lights up the film.
The charming number, ‘Jashn-E-Bahara‘, underscores Jodhaa’s romance with Akbar beautifully.
Rajkumari Maithili Devi Singh Raghuvanshi – Prem Ratan Dhan Paayo (2015)
In Sooraj R Barjatya’s Prem Ratan Dhan Paayo, a stunning Sonam Kapoor Ahuja inhabits the world of a princess.
Rajkumari Maithili is to marry Yuvraaj Prem Raghuvanshi (Salman Khan) – the prince of Pritampur.
However, Maithili does not like Prem as she considers him uncouth and arrogant.
Unbeknownst to Maithili, Prem Dilwale (also played by Salman) takes the prince’s place.
This version of the prince is kinder and more caring, which makes Maithili fall in love with him.
However, she remains unaware that the man she has fallen for is not the prince.
Sonam makes Maithili a compassionate and sprightly monarch, finessing her with relatability.
This is shown when Maithili helps reunite the Raghuvanshi family after years of feuding.
Padmavati – Padmaavat (2018)
Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Padmaavat is an ode to royalty, love, and sacrifice.
The film stars Deepika Padukone as the titular queen.
Padmavati is in love with the Rajput ruler of Chittor, Ratan Singh (Shahid Kapoor).
They both get married. Padmavati remains a devoted and loyal wife.
She is prepared to go to any lengths to protect the sanctity of her marriage.
Speaking of her pride in the film, Deepika states: “As a woman, I feel proud to be a part of this film and to tell this story, which needs to be told.
“And it needs to be told now.”
However, Padmavati and Ratan Singh are tentatively unaware that a dark force threatens their marriage and the honour of Chittor.
Alauddin Khilji – Padmaavat (2018)
As we continue with Padmaavat, let’s find out what that dark force over Chittor is.
Ranveer Singh melds into the role of the Khilji ruler, Alauddin.
Smitten with Padmavati, he vows to gain her for himself.
To do this, he must conquer Chittor and disable Ratan Singh’s rule.
Although Alauddin is sadistic, ruthless, and abject, Ranveer makes him one of the most memorable Bollywood monarchs.
Ranveer’s portrayal is sublime and authentic. Some of the audience will cheer for Alauddin despite his character being detestable.
This personality is underlined in the upbeat track, ‘Khalibali’, wherein Alauddin loses all of his self-control.
Alauddin Khilji is the booming device of Padmaavat, which makes him deserve a place on this list.
Rani Lakshmi Bai – Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi (2019)
Kangana Ranaut takes on the character of Rani Lakshmi Bai in this terrific film.
Lakshmi Bai is a force of nature. Kangana’s off-screen ferocity and bravery translate brilliantly into the seams of the film.
This is evident in the way the queen overthrows her adversaries and fights for what she believes.
Kangana is resplendent in every scene, performing the demanding action with conviction and skill.
The film was initially helmed by Krish Jagarlamudi. When he stepped down, Kangana took over, marking her directorial debut.
This displayed her passion for the project. When the film was released, the actress was accused of being jingoistic.
However, Kangana slammed the accusation, saying: “No one has blamed me for distorting history.
“Personally, there is no controversy of great magnitude here.
“I don’t see any negativity attached to it outside the industry. I am satisfied with the audience’s response.”
Parvati Bai – Panipat (2019)
Returning to the work of Ashutosh Gowariker, Panipat depicts the third battle of the titular location.
In the film, Kriti Sanon portrays Parvati Bai – the consort of Sadashiv Rao Bhau (Arjun Kapoor).
A dutiful wife, Parvati is fearless, showing her commitment to the well-being of her kingdom and family at every turn.
She is a lioness – accompanying her husband on perilous journeys and motivating her people with inspiration and wise words.
After the film was released, Kriti enthused: “I’ve been getting great response for my character, and it took me a while to sink it in!
“Because it was my first historical, I wanted to make sure it’s convincing, and people don’t see Kriti in it.”
Kriti certainly accomplished that in Panipat, as she cultivated one of the most daring celluloid queens.
Bollywood monarchs are known for their charisma, charm, and grandiosity.
When they are woven well into the right script and played by great actors, they transform into historic acts onscreen.
All of these characters leave a lasting mark on the hearts of the audience.
The viewers think of them long after the ending credits of the film have rolled.
So, grab some popcorn and embrace the opulence and gravitas of these Bollywood monarchs.
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