Pakistani College Students’ Stunning 'Pyaar Kiya Toh Darna Kya' Recreation Goes Viral

Viral Video: Students of Government College University (GCU) Lahore, Pakistan, pay homage to the iconic song "Pyaar Kiya Toh Darna Kya" from the Bollywood movie "Mughal-e-Azam," in their annual play, March 2025. The performance has gone viral on social media in no time.

The original "Mughal-e-Azam," released in 1960, is an epic of Indian cinema, chronicling the star-crossed love story between Prince Salim and the courtesan Anarkali. The song "Pyaar Kiya Toh Darna Kya" featuring iconic actress Madhubala is emblematic of love in defiance of society with its elaborate set designs and lilting music. The GCU students recreated this scene down to the smallest detail yet made it different in their own way.

From elaborate costumes by the students to intricate moves, the video posted on Ajwa Ashfaq’s Instagram page shows their dedication to authenticity. With Madhubala's grace and poise, the lead performer, playing Anarkali, received rave reviews for her dance. It elicited praise from social media users, with comments noting the common cultural heritage and the everlasting charm of such classics.

In Pakistan, it’s a phenomenon that remains potent, highlighting a historical love for mutual cultural narratives and the reach of Bollywood. These cross-national artistic exchanges depict the unifying power in art, rising above political and geographical borders. The students’ performance celebrates a cinematic masterpiece, as well as our commonality through culture.

Watch the video

Netizens reaction

Till now, the video has gained approx. 81k likes and over 2k comments. One user said, "I literally love the concept." Another comment said, "Mughal-e-Azam my favourite." Some users demanded a full video of the play. One commented, "I just want full video plzz." Another said, "Waahhh....! Want full clip of the performance." The third user said, "Where is the full play.?"