New Delhi: For long Lucknow has been referred to as a city best known for it’s delicacies, rich cultural heritage and hospitality or 'Mehmaan nawazi' as they call it. Living upto its reputation, the city in the recent past has played host to a string of Bollywood movies. From the evergreen ‘Umrao Jaan’ to the very recent ‘Daawat-e- Ishq’, the affair of Bollywood with the city of Nawabs is hard to ignore. Here’s a list of those movies which capture the essence of the city in it’s entirety:
Shatranj Ke Khiladi: Set against the backdrop of the Oudh (Avadh) annexation, this Satyajit Ray classic, captured stills of the exquisite Bara Imambara. The minarets and domes of the Imambara, served as a perfect backdrop for the movie and gave it the authenticity a project like that required. Built by the fourth Nawab of Avadh, Nawab Asaf-Ud- Daula the Bada Imambara is one of the main tourist attractions of Lucknow. The Imambara is an extremely unique structure in the sense that its design was obtained through a competition and the tomb of the winner, Kifayatullah adorns the main hall of the building till date. Built during the time of the great famine, the main aim of the Imambara’s construction was to generate employment.
The very recent ‘Daawat-e-Ishq’ starring Parineeti Chopra and Aditya Roy Kapoor in lead roles also has stills of the Bara Imambara.
Tanu Weds Manu: The movie ‘Tanu Weds Manu’ has stills from the Safed Baradari of Lucknow. The scene where Jimmy Shergill asks a devastated Madhavan to take Kangana out, to shop for her wedding has been shot in the main hall of the Baradari. Located in the Kaiserbagh area of the city, the monument is one of the several heritage sights which were built during the Nawabi era and have remained intact ever since. In the former years of its existence, the building was used as a place of mourning. Adorned with intricate chandeliers and beautiful interiors, the complex is now mainly used for Art and Craft exhibitions.
Apart from ‘Tanu Weds Manu’, the evergreen classic, ‘Umrao Jaan’ also features shots of the Baradari.
Youngistaan: The director of Jacky Bhagnani, Neha Sharma-starrer captured a few shots of the The Ambedkar Memorial of Lucknow. The chartbuster “Suno na Sangmarmar” captured stills of the park. Built by Mayawati, the Former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, this monument serves as a memorial for Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar who dedicated his life for the emancipation of the Dalit community. Located in the posh locality of Gomti Nagar, the park is made up entirely of Sandstone. Due to its grandiose and elaborate structure, the monument has garnered a lot of attention for itself.
Always Kabhi Kabhi: This Red Chilies Production starring Ali Fazal amongst others was shot almost at the renowned La Martiniere College of Lucknow. Set against the background of a high school, the movie contained shots of this premier Educational institute of the city. The La Martinere College for Boys was founded in 1845 and is the only college in the world to be awarded royal battle honours. The College played a major role in the Mutiny of 1857 for which it has received worldwide acclaim.
‘Gadar’, starring Sunny Deol and Ameesha Patel was also shot at the college.
Ishaqzaade: This movie about fierce passion ,vengeance, politics and love had several shots from the city of Nawabs. Starring Arjun Kapoor and Parineeti Chopra , the majority of the movie was shot across several locations within Lucknow. The very popular Gauhar Khan song “ Jhallah Wallah” has been entirely filmed at the Ahmad Manzil , located in Chowk. The Ahmad Manzil situated on Abdul Aziz Road of Chowk, was built in the year 1922. Chowk area is situated in Old Lucknow area which is reknowned for its delicacies and distinct culture.
Bollywood’s tryst with Lucknow is not only limited to the above mentioned movies alone. Movies like, Bullett Raja, Ladies vs Ricky Bahl and Omkara amongst have also featured several locations in and around Lucknow, distinctly.
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