If his father disputes the claim, they will meet on the battlefield. Akbar orders the execution of Anarkali and visits Salim at his camp to plead with him for a last time. But when a bleeding Durjan enters the tent with Anarkali, the furious emperor declares war. Salim's army is routed, and while Durjan escapes with Anarkali, Salim is taken prisoner, tried, and condemned to death for refusing to surrender the girl. Hiding in a temple with Anarkali, Durjan hears the verdict and though mortally wounded, tries to rush out only to fall dead at the feet of the goddess.
People gather sorrowfully at the public execution.
Akbar himself fires the canon facing his son, but Man Singh, Jodha Bai's brother and Akbar's trusted general, deflects the shot just as Anarkali rushes up to the crowd and faints on hearing the blast. Akbar is ready to pardon Salim if Anarkali will take his place. Akbar agrees, but insists that she must, when the night is ending, give Salim a drugged flower to make him unconscious. If she does not do so, Salim will not let her die, and Akbar will not let her live, says the emperor. Anarkali sits dressed as a queen in the hall of mirrors with her prince.