Watch Shiraz: A Romance Of India

Shiraz: A Romance Of India is a dramatic reenactment of the love story between the princess Mumtaz Mahal and the architect who designed the Taj Mahal. The film follows the story of Shiraz, a Persian child who is orphaned after his parents are killed in a caravan raid. He is taken in by a group of traveling musicians and grows up to become a talented musician himself.

One day, while performing in a market, Shiraz catches the eye of Selima, the future queen of India. Selima is intrigued by his music and asks him to play for her in private. They develop a deep connection and Shiraz falls in love with her. However, Selima's father, the emperor, has already arranged for her to marry a prince from a neighboring kingdom.

Shiraz is heartbroken but continues to serve Selima and her family with devotion. Eventually, he is approached by an architect who wants to design a grand mausoleum for Selima's deceased mother. Shiraz agrees to help him, and they set out to create what will become the Taj Mahal.

As the years go by, Shiraz remains dedicated to the project and to Selima, even as she becomes queen and is forced to marry the neighboring prince. Meanwhile, the emperor's greedy advisor plots to claim the Taj Mahal for himself and accuses Shiraz of theft.

Shiraz is arrested and sentenced to death, but Selima comes to his defense and helps prove his innocence. In the end, Selima is able to live out her days with her true love by her side, and the Taj Mahal stands as a symbol of their enduring romance.

Released in 1928, Shiraz was directed by Franz Osten and features a mix of Indian and European actors, including Himansu Rai as Shiraz, Enakshi Rama Rau as Selima, and Charu Roy as the emperor. The film was shot on location in India, with many scenes filmed at the actual Taj Mahal.

Shiraz was highly acclaimed upon its release and is often considered one of the earliest examples of Indian cinema. It was praised for its stunning visuals and for its portrayal of Indian culture and society. The film's use of actual locations and actors also helped to add to its authenticity.

The film's musical score, composed by acclaimed Indian musician Anoushka Shankar, combines traditional Indian instruments with Western orchestral elements to create a lush and emotional backdrop for the story. The film also features intricate dance sequences that showcase the beauty and elegance of Indian dance forms.

Shiraz is a beautiful and romantic film that captures the spirit of India and the enduring power of love. Its timeless story, stunning visuals, and beautiful music continue to captivate audiences today, almost a century after its original release.