Mumbai: Director Nila Madhab Panda loved shooting his film "Halkaa" in Delhi, and says the team got a lot of love and support from the people of the capital city.
"Halkaa" is a take on a slum child's heroism, aspirations and dreams. The child protagonist, Pichku, fights for the basic problem that he faces everyday -- like defecating in the open, amongst other issues. It is his dream to make a toilet of his own where he can enjoy his privacy.
The makers shot the film for 25 days in the slums of Delhi. While shooting, the production team painted many houses of the slums and got local students to design cool graffitis and paintings on the walls.
The locals were so happy with the gesture that on the last day of the shoot, all the women of the slums prepared 'Chai and Bhajiya' (tea and snacks) for the entire cast and crew of the film.
"We received lot of love and support from the locals while shooting," Panda said in a statement to IANS.
"It was a very sweet gesture from them to come together and cook ‘Bhajiya and Chai' for our entire team. This gesture of theirs will always be remembered," he added.
The film features Ranvir Shorey, Paoli Dam and child actor Tathastu. The film is in sync with the Swachh Bharat Mission and supported by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.
Presented by the Shiv Nadar Foundation and produced by Roshni Nadar Malhotra in association with Akshay Parija and Nila Madhab Panda, "Halkaa" will release on September 7.
Photo Sources: Hindustan Times)