84th NMG || IO || Nikammi...tu sudhar jaa❤️ - Page 47

After the success of "12/24 Karol Bagh", "Raam Milaayi Jodi", and "Apno Ke Liye Geeta Ka Dharmyudh", there is another soap "Hitler Didi" based in Delhi. According to Ila Bedi Datta, scriptwriter and producer for "Hitler Didi", the decision to choose Delhi as the backdrop was finalised because the script demanded a popular, yet new location, which the viewers could easily relate to.

"Since the majority of the actors coming down to Delhi to shoot their projects, films, shows, and advertisements is increasing by the day, the city has become the industry's muse. Both filmmakers and showmakers want to shift viewers' focus from the Juhu Beach, skyline of Marine Drive and the Gateway of India to Chandni Chowk, Karol Bagh, and other parts of Delhi. That's why Mumbai ka tapori isn't as important as the Dilli ka gunda now. Even the broadcasters want shows that explore areas that can generate maximum public attention. Hence, Delhi, the second best option is fast becoming the primary choice. It is economically viable too. For the typical Delhi feel we have made our characters use words like 'Oye, itthe aa', because that's how Delhiites speak. Similarly, a Delhi-based real estate agent would often be heard saying 'Jai mata di' so that too has been incorporated."

The show revolves around the story of a 25-year-old girl whose circumstances compel her to work and shoulder the family's responsibilities. Rati Pandey, the female lead has been in the city for over two weeks now. And she blames the delicious street food of Delhi for gaining weight. "This is what Delhi, especially Chandni Chowk, does to you. No matter how hard you try to resist the temptation, you end up giving in. Since the food stalls and eateries are close by, sneaking out from the shoot's location is not a big deal. You go, have fun and are back for the shoot." As far as her experience in the city goes, her 14-day stay has helped her learn what all to watch out for in the city. "Girls have to stay alert. I remember during a tea break in Chandni Chowk, a passerby passed a rather nasty comment, he said, 'Chai toh badi garam hai and didn't know how to react."

Rati tells us that since she has been shooting in the bylanes of the walled city of Old Delhi, one can expect to be pushed and mobbed by people. "There is hardly any space to walk in Chandni Chowk. So you can imagine how difficult it is to shoot a soap. People have pushed me, while I'm doing a shot also. Now, we've begun to include these elements in the show because there's no way to avert these. We were mobbed in Nawab Ganj."

Isn't she sporting Sonam Kapoor's look in "Delhi 6" in the show? "It is a compliment if you are saying I resemble Sonam. But no conscious efforts have been made to make me look like her. If you see me wearing a kurti and a Patiala salwar, that's because a typical Delhi girl dresses up like that."