Released in 2009, the Abhishek Bachchan starrer ‘Delhi 6’ has completed 15 years in Bollywood. The film, directed by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, showcased the vibrant streets of Old Delhi and the narrow lanes of Chandni Chowk. This movie’s intricacies highlight Abhishek’s versatility as an actor showing his ability to get into the skin of the characters he plays. On the 15th anniversary of this iconic film let’s delve into 5 lesser-known facts of Delhi 6.
Inspiration from Mehra’s Childhood
Delhi-6 draws inspiration from the Director’s own experiences and adds depth to growing up in the narrow lanes of Old Delhi. The Director adds his personal anecdotes and the culture of old Delhi which give a unique insight into the historic city. The characters and situations in Delhi-6 mirror Mehra’s memories, creating a narrative deeply rooted in his upbringing.
Chandni Chowk’s Legacy
To add beauty to the streets of Chandni Chowk the filmmaker recreated old Delhi in a small Rajasthani town called Sambhar. The decision to change the location due to the script’s demand added a layer of realism to the movie, bringing out the authenticity, diverse culture, and the hustle and bustle of the streets of Old Delhi. The narrow roads and historic architecture became integral elements of the narrative, creating a visual treat that captured the essence of the Nation’s capital.
Masakali Magic
‘Masakali’, the chart-topping song featuring Abhishek and Sonam Kapoor, became an anthem of the time. The vibrant and energetic dance sequence not only showcased Abhishek’s impressive dance skills but also highlighted the on-screen chemistry between the lead pair. While the Director initially opposed the catchy tune due to the use of lip-syncing, AR Rahman, the composer, stressed that it would create more of a psychological impact if the actors lip-synced, helping the audience resonate with the song.
Dil Gira Dafatan: A Tale of Innovation
The soul-stirring track ‘Dil Gira Dafatan’ from Delhi-6 stands out for its rhythmic lyrics and A.R. Rahman’s melodious composition. It highlights the innovative recording technique used, a method called ‘live recording,’ capturing the actors’ spontaneous reactions during the song’s creation. This unique approach contributed to the song and captured real emotions.
Climax at the End
The climax of ‘Delhi-6’ reveals a shocking ending. Abhishek Bachchan’s performance in this sequence, where he confronts his truth and faces the consequences, showcases his ability to handle complex character arcs. The film was originally planned to end with the death of Abhishek Bachchan’s character. However, after pressure from the producers, Director Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra decided to alter the ending to a happy one in order to please the audience. Abhishek and Rakyesh Omprakash Mehra were on the same page, but the producers felt that audiences would react negatively to the death of Abhishek’s character due to his likeable personality.
Delhi-6 remains a masterpiece that goes beyond just storytelling by bringing compelling characters to the screen and giving the audience iconic songs to groove to. The story is enriched by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra’s personal connection to the script, which also adds more depth to the film. The innovative approach along with the personal experience is the reason it is still in the hearts of millions even after 15 years of its release.