The director shot for Delhi 6 minus any of the actors

Rakeysh Mehra, who was supposed to start his next project Delhi 6 at the end of the year, suddenly decided to shoot an important scene in Delhi on Sunday on Eid. After the moon was sighted on Saturday evening, Rakeysh flew to the capital with his crew.

Vital shot

When asked about his first day of shooting, Rakeysh laughs, “Not quite. We’d decided some days ago to go ahead and shoot Eid in Chandni Chowk, because it’s a vital part of my film. If we waited, we’d have to shoot it next year.”

He adds, “Besides we didn’t need any of the actors. We just needed to shoot the incomparable morning-time festivity of Eid at Chandni Chowk. You can’t capture that anywhere but in Chandni Chowk. No question of getting the same effect in a studio.”

Revisiting the past

Rakeysh’s semi-autobiographical film is based on his growing-up years in Chandni Chowk. It will feature Abhishek Bachchan in the lead role.

Abhishek couldn’t be there for the impromptu shoot as he’s in Namibia shooting for Goldie Behl’s Drona. He’s expected to finalise his dates and sign the deal as soon as he returns.

Indian Van Gogh

Present with Mehra at the half-day shoot of Delhi 6 was cinematographer Binod Pradhan. “I call him the Van Gogh of cinematography, and not just in India but in any part of the world,” says Rakeysh.