Delhi replaces Mumbai in bollywood

For any movie that dealt with reality, or the simple pleasures of life, a scene in Chowpatty in Juhu was a must in the '70s, '80s, and even in the '90s, just as a romantic scene involved a drive down Marine Drive. But that backdrop and those landmarks have been replaced over the years as an increasing number of movies are now being based in, and therefore, shot in Delhi . 


The new stories, often by Delhiites who've found a foothold in Tinseltown, are stories of their memories and experiences in the capital. They keep coming back to the city that shaped their formative years even though their profession drags them to Mumbai. As director Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra says, "I've moved out of Delhi, but Delhi hasn't moved out of me." 


Many of these movie makers are well-versed with the modern Delhi as well as its lifestyle options and geo-social nuances. If Auro wants a ride in the Metro, "Paa" will have to be shot in Delhi, right? Think of the film "Aisha", with its beautiful houses and gorgeous clothes, and abundant brands. This glamourous film was an out and out Delhi Bollywood film! Or if "Delhi-6" needs a foggy, wintery morning, can Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra think of any place else to shoot? 


The mushrooming nightclubs in the city provide another yo-place for filmmakers to shoot movies revolving around youngsters. Imtiaz chose Delhi pubs for his "Rockstar", and much before that, Urmila Matondkar had shot at a Delhi pub for "Ek Haseena Thi". 


More and more filmwallahs find that shooting in Delhi farmhouses is a delight. Often while scouting for locations, they've realised that Delhi has a climate and culture like no other place in the country, and that weaving their projects around this maximum city will lend a very unique flavour to their movie. 


There are other things these directors notice too. As the writer of "Aisha", Devika Bhagat, puts it, "When I was asked to adapt "Emma", I immediately thought it fitted Delhi perfectly because the Delhi society here is based on fairly clear class structures." 


While locations are one reason, Delhiites also make for interesting characters for directors. Is there a quintessential Delhi girl that they've discovered in their movies? Well, many of them are trying to. As actress Sonam Kapoor, who has shot two films in Delhi, says, "The basic reason for choosing Delhi is that it has many stories to say. More than Bombay, there are a lot of real people here in the city." 


So there. As filmmakers shoot more films here, Delhiites you better be prepared to come across Bollywood celebs – perhaps right in your locality – more often now. 




Read more: - The Times of India http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-interviews/Delhi-replaces-Mumbai-in-bollywood/articleshow/7071237.cms#ixzz17gaa3SEM