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Capital matters!

If there were a Santa Claus in Bollywood, Delhiites would ask for a Yash Chopra film shot exclusively in this city

DELIGHT IN DELHI A scene from "Fanaa" shot in New Delhi

Seeing Kunal Kohli's Fanaa, shot extensively in the Capital, one feels a newfound pride for the city we live in (after shaking off disbelief). The shots of Delhi in this film, produced by the grand old man of Hindi cinema, Yash Chopra, help dispel some of the feelings of despair of concerned Delhiites that this city, which should have been the toast of the nation, is going to seed in every respect.

With precision

Each location, every frame has been chosen with precision, chiselled to perfection, an exquisite work of art: precious stones polished to remove the minutest blemish. Thus, world heritage sites like the Qutab Minar and Humayun's Tomb look purely enchanting, particularly the panoramic shots of the former. India Gate becomes an epitome of royal grandeur, of pomp and pageantry, evoking a feeling of nationalism at the clockwork drill of our armed forces. And even though a gate of the National Stadium was converted into the Rashtrapati Bhawan entrance, it can be overlooked, as depictions of the Mazaar, fleeting glimpses of Connaught Place, the lawns around India Gate, traditional eating joints, local knick-knacks (like vibrant glass bangles) were woven into the narrative with such style and verve, love and dedication, that one wishes the entire film, and not only a part of it, were shot in the Capital. (Besides, the sher-o-shairi seems a tribute to the city's patron poet, Chacha Ghalib). But then, if only wishes were horses!

Now, all Delhiwallahs should petition Yash Chopra to make a film shot exclusively in the Capital (after thanking him for his generosity, in helping us rediscover pride in our city), which could even be used as an advertisement by the tourism department.

APS MALHOTRA

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