The cacophonic surrounding of the old Delhi is going to be the backdrop in yet another Bollywood film. This time, it’s Delhi boy Sachin Gupta’s directorial debut Paranthe Wali Gali, which he says is an ode to the systematic chaos and the vibrant culture of the Walled City. “Its lanes and bylanes, mannerism, culture and food trail has been a part of me. Having travelled across the globe, this bond has always been there,” he says.
Sachin, who has been a theatre lover and has worked in 13 original productions and three Broadway shows in New York and bagged the National Award for his contribution to theatre, while talking about the film says, “The film can be considered a romantic comedy, but not entirely as it has various other dimensions too. It’s a sensitive film and anyone can relate to it. The international audience would also relate to it as it is about people and friends,” says Sachin.
While Delhi has been a filmmaker’s delight — No One Killed Jessica, Paa, Delhi-6 and Jannat 2 — what makes this film different from the rest?
“All the films based on the city or shot here were undoubtly brilliant and portrayed different aspects of the city. The USP of my film is that we have tried a very difficult and interesting format, wherein we are shooting in real settings without creating any sets. While we are shooting at places around Sadar Baazar, Chawri Baazar and Kanari Baazar, but the idea is to bring out some unexplored places of the Old Delhi,” he says.
The film stars actors Anuj Saxena and Neha Pawar in lead roles and playback singer and actress Vasundhara Das has given the music for the film.
“Actors from theatre background always help. Theatre artistes are passionate about art and their commitment to their craft is tremendous. An actor has to know everything about the character he has to portray. He should have done his homework and rehearsal,” he says.
Sachin, who has written the script of the film says that he wants to showcase life in the old lanes to help cinemagoers realise the historical significance of the place.