Director Satish Kaushik, who shot a major part of his forthcoming film Milenge Milenge, in Delhi shares his experience with Screen
Born and brought up in New Delhi, filmmaker Satish Kaushik has an affinity for the capital. But he got to visit his favourite nooks and corners of the city, while shooting for his forthcoming film
Milenge Milenge. When he chalked out the locations for this romantic film starring
Kareena Kapoor and Shahid Kapoor, he realised that Delhi provided the perfect backdrop for the couple's budding romance in the film. The director wanted to show the love blossoming between the lead pair in malls and coffee shops. So he opted for well-known tourist spots like Connaught Place, Ajmer Gate, Purana Kila and Chandni Chowk. The scene in Chandni Chowk which is one of the most crowded places in old Delhi required us to set up a shop which Shahid visits. I knew the crowds start coming in at about nine 'o' clock, so we put up the props at five in the morning, started shooting at seven and wrapped up by nine, says the director.
One might think that it must have been difficult for the filmmaker to shoot in such crowded places. But he says, For an outsider it may seem tough, but I am basically a Delhiite and know every nook and corner of the city. I also know exactly where and when to shoot so that we could evade the crowds. I am most comfortable shooting in the capital and that too in the winter because of the wonderful climate.
Of course he does not deny the fact that being an actor he is a known face which certainly made geting permissions very easy. I remember when we had to shoot a scene on the road where Shahid browses through books from hawkers. My production controller was very sure we would not get permission to shoot at Ajmer Gate. But as soon as I went into the police station they welcomed me and gave me all the necessary help including finding a bungalow from where we shot with hidden cameras.
Milenge Milenge may have been shot almost eight years back but Kaushik says that Shahid and Kareena share an amazing chemistry. Once the audience start watching the film, they will forget that it was shot so many years ago. Like Tum chain ho is a passionate song and captured on the stunning beaches of Dubai with its crystal clear water, white sand and swaying palm trees, says the director.
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