Delhi 6 is a drama film directed by Rakesh Omprakash Mehra. The film revolves around Roshan Mehra, who has returned to his hometown Delhi to fulfill his grandmother’s last wish. The film explores identity, communities and urban life from Roshan’s point of view as he grapples to make peace with the workings of Delhi. Since its release in 2009, the film has become popular for its notable soundtrack, ensemble cast and performances. Roshan Mehra (Abhishek Bachchan) an NRI living in New York comes back to Delhi to fulfill his grandmother’s last wish. After arriving in India, he finds himself in the heart of Delhi, Chandni Chowk. The film shows his journey from struggling to view Delhi as his city to sacrificing himself for the lives of several of his neighbours.
Old Delhi | Where Cultures Collide
The Movie begins with Roshan’s arrival in Delhi. The narrow lanes of Chandni Chowk bustling with people are quite in contrast to the New York lanes. In Chandni Chowk, Old Delhi’s bustling avenue, you’ll find a mix of places of worship and modern amenities side by side. On one side stands the Charity Birds Hospital, while nearby lies the ancient Gauri Shankar Temple, alongside the Shri Digambar Jain Lal Mandir. Opposite the temple, you’ll spot the Delite Cinema and the Methodist Church. Across from the church, visitors can find the revered Sis Ganj Sahib Gurudwara. From there, you can see both McDonald’s and Haldiram’s. And the Fatehpuri Masjid at the end of Chandni Chowk, with the Indian tricolour waving proudly atop the Red Fort in the distance. Roshan finds himself amid the inter-cultural community of Chandni Chowk due to his parents’ marriage. Although initially overwhelmed, eventually begins to find a certain belongingness with his family. During this time, he meets Bittu who is his family friend with whom he makes a genuine connection. Bittu is aspiring to become the next Indian Idol and appreciates Roshan for his support.
New (York) Delhi | Roshan’s Perspective
Roshan grapples with the conflicting identities. He is torn between New York’s modernity and the magnetic pull of Delhi’s authenticity. His internal struggle is depicted through a creative juxtaposition of the best of both worlds. The juxtaposed city in “Delhi-6” is a blend of Delhi’s vibrant community life and bustling transportation scenes, infused with the expansive cityscape of New York. The visuals of the juxtaposed city don’t outright reject the possibility of the two cities merging in reality. However, upon closer inspection, they present an idealized version that might seem too perfect to the discerning eye. This dream sequence ends with him embracing Bittu, which indicates that above everything he has chosen his life in Delhi with Bittu and his family. Social disputes challenge Roshan’s newfound peace in Delhi. A monkey man is threatening the inhabitants of Delhi 6 and has wrecked chaos. The revelation of the local mosque being built on the ruins of a Hindu temple further fuels the tensions and creates a rift between the followers of the two religions. The dispute between the two communities escalated and led to a state of chaos. The people who once lived together in harmony despite their religious differences were turning hostile towards each other. As the situation goes out of control, a Muslim shopkeeper sets the Hindu tree temple on fire. Roshan, who was on his way to pursue Bittu, witnessed this first-hand. In an attempt to kill two birds with one stone, he goes to meet Bittu wearing the monkey man costume. Roshan reveals himself to Bittu and they both embrace each other. The film’s climax is a surprising turn of events where Roshan is beaten up by the residents of Delhi 6.
Ideal Delhi | Depiction of Heaven
Moments later when Roshan has a near-death experience, he is shown to be sitting with his dad in heaven. Heaven resembles Old Delhi but is depicted entirely in white. The portrayal of heaven in “Delhi-6” offers a striking contrast to the bustling chaos of Old Delhi. This ideal version is serene and purified. This architectural representation symbolizes spiritual enlightenment. A possibility of rising above earthly conflicts. It also highlights the potential for finding peace amidst the complexities of urban life
Conclusion
Delhi 6 uses metaphorical architecture to convey themes of cultural diversity in the city. The architectural elements in each version of the city symbolize not only emotions but also cultural values and traditions. The bustling streets of Old Delhi represent the vibrancy and diversity of Indian culture, while the orderly cityscape of New York reflects modernity and progress. The fantasy city aims to underline Roshan’s desire to combine the two to create harmony. The white-washed version depicting heaven shows that the complexities of urban life are what makes it authentic. Architecture is used as a mirror to the protagonist’s thoughts. The metaphorical cityscapes attempt to enhance the experience of the viewers. The film is an ode to the city of Delhi which is known for its cultural diversity.
References:
- The Well Being (2024) Delhi 6 (2009) full Hindi movie HD | Abhishek Bachchan | Rishi Kapoor | Om puri, YouTube. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8nLaT7ontAg&t=4510s (Accessed: 01 April 2024).
- Gupta, R.R. (ed.) (2021) ‘the debacle of Delhi 6 sent me into a dark hole. I drowned myself in alcohol’ – Times of India, The Times of India. Available at: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/sunday-times/the-debacle-of-delhi-6-sent-me-into-a-dark-hole-i-drowned-myself-in-alcohol/articleshow/84711390.cms (Accessed: 31 March 2024).
