The Great Akbar has everything an emperor can ask for: immense wealth, vast empire, trusted lieutenants. However, he only wants the one thing a man can ask for: a child, a son, an heir. Therefore, he prays to the gods, embarking on a grand journey to this end. His wish is fulfilled and his wife, Rani Jodhabai, gives birth to a boy Akbar knows no joy and lavishes all his affection on him. However, as the boy grows, Akbar sees that his affection is perhaps spoiling him. Thus, he sends him away: to make him a warrior, to make him a 'man'. The boy soon grows into a strapping man, Prince Salim. Jodhabai unable to be away from her progeny wishes her son to return. And Salim does so. Much to everyone's joy. And this is where the real story begins. At the unveiling of a statue to welcome his return, Salim is taken by its sheer beauty. And why not? For it proves to be a real person, the lovely courtesan, Anarkali. Follows a charming exchange of romantic letters, cumulating in, yes, the two professing their love for each other. And , as you can guess, this is where the problem begins. A prince and a courtesan? Much like Beauty and the Beast.