Akbar Salim Anarkali is a 1979 Indian Telugu-language historical romance film produced & directed by N. T. Rama Rao under his Ramakrishna Cine Studios banner. It stars N. T. Rama Rao, Nandamuri Balakrishna, Deepa, with music composed by C. Ramchandra. The film is remake of the Bollywood epic Mughal E Azam.

Plot

Akbar, who does not have a male heir, undertakes a pilgrimage to a shrine to pray that his wife Jodha give birth to a son. Later, Tansen the singer in his court, brings the emperor news of his son's birth. Overjoyed at his prayers being answered Akbar gives Tansen his ring and promises to grant him anything he desires. Here, Salim grows as a spoiled-brat, flippant and self-indulgent. So, Akbar sends him off to war, to teach him courage and discipline. After 14 years, Prince Salim returns as a distinguished soldier and falls in love with court-dancer Nadira, whom the emperor bestows on her the title Anarkali (Deepa), meaning "pomegranate blossom". Knowing it, Gulnar, another dancer of a higher rank, envies as she too aspires to possess the prince's love but fails. So, she uncovers their forbidden relationship to the Emperor. At present, Salim pleads with his father for acceptance for their espousal, but he refuses and imprisons her.