Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra’s Delhi-6 featured one of the most celebrated ensemble casts of 21st-century Hindi cinema, anchored by the gentle yet powerful presence of Waheeda Rehman. In a recent exclusive
conversation with SCREEN, Mehra reflected on how the veteran actress eventually came on board the project, especially after their earlier collaboration on Rang De Basanti.
Mehra recalled that his first narration of Delhi-6 to Waheeda Rehman did not go as planned. “I went to her the first time with the idea of Delhi-6, but she told me, ‘Beta, I haven’t been acting much lately,’” he said. Soon after, he approached her with Rang De Basanti, which marked her return to cinema. “I went to her again with Rang De Basanti, and she accepted the part because she really liked the story,” Mehra shared.
How Rang De Basanti Changed the Equation
Following the massive success of Rang De Basanti, Mehra felt he was finally in a position to revive Delhi-6. “I told her, ‘Now I can make this film because I’ve just delivered a super-successful film and people are accepting whatever I want to make,’” he said, adding that Waheeda Rehman still remained hesitant. “‘I did Rang De Basanti, but now I don’t really feel like acting,’ she told me.”
The Joke That Finally Sealed the Deal
Mehra then narrated the light-hearted moment that ultimately convinced the actress. “I told her there was no problem if she didn’t want to do it, but I would build the set right outside her house. Every day, when she passed by, she would feel bad seeing everyone working while she wasn’t,” he said, recalling that she laughed at the comment before finally agreeing to be part of the film.
‘Waheeda Ji Is a Part of Our Lives’
Speaking about their bond beyond cinema, Mehra said Waheeda Rehman continues to be an integral part of his life. “Waheeda ji is a part of our lives. Every Eid, we receive lovely kebabs from her house. On Holi and Diwali, we exchange sweets and everything. She remembers birthdays and anniversaries, and we are always in touch,” he shared.
He also spoke about her evolving passions, revealing, “Now she has become an outstanding wildlife photographer. She has these cameras, and the last I knew, she was travelling through Africa and the jungles of India. She has done something truly beautiful with her life. She is also involved in a lot of work that benefits society, the money she generates goes towards social welfare.”
Rishi Kapoor and the Night Shoot Challenge
Mehra also revisited casting Rishi Kapoor in Delhi-6, admitting he was initially worried about the actor’s reputed dislike for night shoots. “I had heard he was averse to night shoots,” Mehra said, before recounting Kapoor’s reaction when he explained the schedule. “He told me, ‘There was this director called Raj Kapoor who once narrated a film to me and mentioned that there were two or three days of night shooting. I left that film because of those three nights, and here you are telling me that your entire film is set at night?’”
‘There Is No Other Way’
Despite the hesitation, Mehra stood firm. “There is no other way and I need your help here,” he told the actor, adding that Kapoor eventually agreed. “He did cooperate, and that was the first time ever when he shot at nights,” Mehra said, marking a unique milestone in the late actor’s career.
