Heart Beats of SPCE: Part 7
Experiences with Film Shootings !
During my stay at SPCE Hostel, I had a remarkable opportunity to witness the magical world of filmmaking up close. One day, news spread among us hostelers that few students who had flair of acting were required for acting in the movie Zamane Ko Dikhana Hai. The connection came through Danny Denzongpa's niece, who was also staying at our hostel. Filled with excitement, four or five of went to Film City at Goregaon. Film's director and producer, Nazir Hussain interviewed us for small roles in the movie, and to my surprise, I was selected!
‘Zamaane Ko Dikhana Hai’ is a 1981 Hindi romantic film directed by Nasir Hussain. Rishi Kapoor and Padmini Kolhapure were in lead roles.
One of the standout moments of the movie is the ever-melodious song ‘Dil Lena Khel Hai Dildar Ka’. It was composed by the R.D. Burman, penned by Majrooh Sultanpuri, and sung by Asha Bhosle and Mohammed Rafi.
Film City is a beautiful place surrounded by forest, trees and greeneries. Very often we used to visit it for pleasure trips and viewing the film shoot.
Film city is a venture of Government of Maharashtra. It has been renamed as Dadasaheb Phalke Nagari. It is spread over 500 acres. Temples, jails, village, artificial lakes and falls have been constructed there for shooting purposes. It is surrounded by Arey Colony and Sanjay Gandhi National Park.
One of our friends was a paying guest of Bha La Patil, a great Marathi writer, near the SPCE hostel. He used to tell us about the struggles of Rajendra Prasad, and other captivating stories from the film industry.
At Film City, the assistant director briefed us the role we had to perform. Then he showed us the place in audience to sit. We all sat in audience for the film song to be shoot in the movie. We had been directed to come in a particular dress code, grey pant and light colour shirt. Then we had rehearsal of our role in the song. On that day actual shooting did not happen.
Next day, the shooting of the song started; Rishi Kapoor singing the song on stage, Padmini Kolhapure sitting in audience around the table and we all behind her on chairs, enthusiastically shouting "I love Kanchan!" as part of the audience scene while the song, ‘Dil Lena Khel Hai Dildar Ka’, was sung.
We were again called next day for reshoot of the song, if required. We were informed, after long waiting, that it was not required. There was no shoot on that day. And my role was over.
As the examinations was approaching, I didn’t go for another side role there.
When I watched the movie later, eager to spot myself, I couldn't find myself in the crowd-a true case of cinematic hide-and-seek! Nevertheless, being part of the experience is a memory l'll always treasure.
I was there for three days for shooting. During this period I got chance to explore other sets in Film City. The most fascinating one was the set of movie ’Kranti’, where legendary actors like Dilip Kumar, Hema Malini, and Manoj Kumar were shooting. It was a surreal experience to see these superstars up close and observe their craft.
Beyond the glamour, I gained invaluable insights into the filmmaking process. I learned how sets were constructed, how the crew worked tirelessly to bring a scene to life, and the immense collaboration involved in creating a movie.
At Film City, I learned about Jitendra and Nanda from co-actors who had worked with them. Jitendra lived in a Girgaon Chawl in Mumbai during his struggling years. He has not forgotten his old friends and helps them. He is very family-loving person who respected his heroines greatly. Nanda, the daughter of Master Vinayak, was a highly respected actress in the industry. She was a cooperative and kind-hearted woman who helped and supported her colleagues in the industry.
Another delightful aspect was meeting and talking to side-role actors like C.S. Dubey and Mac Mohan, who would often visit Bachubhai's Mess, where we dined. Sharing stories and experiences with them added a unique flavor to my time at Film City.
Though my stint in acting was short-lived, the memories and lessons from Film City remain etched in my heart. It was more than just a film shoot. It was an adventure that opened my eyes to the magic of cinema !
Dr. Mahendra Ingale, Former Principal @Pune, March 27, 2025
