Camera zooms to 18th century Delhi

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Early 18th century was an interesting phase in Delhi’s history. Not many would know about politics, culture, palaces and lives of people of the period. But city-based film director, Madhureeta Anand is soon going to zoom into this time through her next film, Maharani, for which William Dalrymple is the historical consultant.

The film will be shot in a palace near the city.
“The history of Delhi has not been explored properly by Bollywood. My film is based on diaries of a retinue of a Nizam of Hyderabad, who visited Delhi in early 1700s, which William had come across. This was the time when the Mughal Empire was declining and a lot was happening in and around Delhi,” says Madhureeta, the director of Mere Khwabon Mein Jo Aaye and many award winning documentary films. Though few films have been made around this period, none were focused on the lives of women in a royal palace. This aspect fascinates her most.
“Women used to have separate wings in palaces called janana, where the ruler’s many wives and concubines would be living together. My film focuses on the lives of these women,” says she and adds that the film will also be an erotic drama.
The film scripting is in its final phase and Madhureeta is considering high profile actors for the film. “We are also working on the set details. as we would need to create that era. Lot of attention would be paid to costumes, jewellery and language spoken,” says Madhureeta. It will go on floors March 2013.