FILM · 2009 · INDIA
Delhi-6
37 archived facts 5 topics 1 source Last reviewed Oct 2026
All facts (37)
- #001
The role of Roshan Mehra, played by Abhishek Bachchan, was offered to Hritik Roshan, Siddharth (known for Rang De Basanti (2006)), Imran Khan, Ranbir Kapoor and Akshay Kumar.
- #002
The terrace scenes of Delhi 6 were shot on a set in Jaipur, but a Delhi feel was given to them in post-production. The original backgrounds were replaced with footage shot in Delhi. The biggest challenge in this shoot was expanding the generic terraces and building the region's geographical landmarks, such as Jama Masjid, the Golden Temple and the Red Fort, together with their relevant geographical locations.
- #003
The film's title is actually the name of Old Delhi, whose pin code is 110006. Residents of Old Delhi call it "Delhi 6".
- #004
The interior scene of the Taj Mahal was actually shot against a green matte because of problems with permits. A separate new background and location were later created in computer graphics (CG) using old buildings and footage, and combined with the chroma background. The light coming through the window and falling on Sonam Kapoor was created in 3D. (Number of shots: 11).
- #005
For the opening car scene in which Abhishek's character wakes up in a crowded part of Delhi on first arriving in India, Abhishek Bachchan and the other stars were shot against a green screen background, and the seats were later replaced with footage of empty car seats shot in a crowded area of Delhi.
- #006
The airplane seen during 'Dil Gira Dafatan' carries the initials of the director and the title - ROMPD6 (Rakeysh Om Prakash Mehra Delhi 6).
- #007
The film was based on the 2001 Monkey Man case in Delhi, in which people were targeted at night.
- #008
The rap in the title track is actually in French. It describes the bewilderment caused by entering the new atmosphere of narrow streets, and likens it to being reunited with a loved one after a long wait.
- #009
Although it is very obvious that the Statue of Liberty and Jama Masjid were 'digitally' brought together in the Old Delhi silhouette during Dil Gira Dafatan, the terrace shots showing the silhouette throughout the film were digitally created backgrounds.
- #010
It includes lyricist Prasoon Joshi's first attempt at writing a story.
- #011
Director Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra said he told Sonam Kapoor he did not want her to audition; he simply talked with her for 6-7 hours and cast her in the film.
- #012
According to 'Kilari Hima Kumar', Chief Producer-VFX at Prasad EFX, the film's visual effects supervisor 'Craig Mumma' proposed and directed the creation of a 360-degree Delhi geographical environment in 3D using Delhi terrace photographs. They then followed the shoots and placed the geographical locations in their relevant positions. They had made about 164 terrace extension shots for the film.
- #013
The TVs in Ali Beg's club show videos of Force India, India's only Formula 1 team, which also receives a 'special thanks' in the closing credits.
- #014
Sharman Joshi was signed for the film but was later replaced by Deepak Dobriyal.
- #015
Rakesh Om Prakash Mehra shot two endings for the film, one happy and one sad. In the sad ending Abhisheik Bachchan's character was to die. He decided on the happy ending.
- #016
Although the story is mainly set in Delhi, most of the film was shot in the town of Sambar near Jaipur. Director Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra said the streets of Sambar closely resemble the streets of Delhi.
- #017
The film is a semi-autobiography of Rakesh, as he spent much of his childhood in Delhi alone.
- #018
Many scenes in the film were shot on green screen (chroma background) using CGI. Various visual effects techniques, from compositing, matte painting and background plates (BG) to wire removal and much more, were used to create shots reflecting the look and feel of the real Delhi; however, most of the sequences were not actually shot in Delhi for safety reasons.
- #019
Gulshan Grover was signed to play Abhishek Bachchan's father but was later replaced.
- #020
Kunal Nayyar of 'The Big Bang Theory' stated in a podcast interview with AIB that he was offered the lead role in Delhi 6 and was in talks for '3 Idiots'. He said that at the time he was appearing in 'The Big Bang Theory' but had not yet received a contract or visa. He had to turn down the films because he received the contract one day before his US visa expired.
- #021
In the promotional music video for "Masakali," Masakali is actually the name of the dove that Sonam Kapoor dances with.
- #022
After Amitabh Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan were filmed against a chroma backdrop (green screen), the heaven sequence was designed based on a real Delhi terrace with a 'heavenly' white appearance. The background was created through matte painting and the environment was computer-generated. (Number of shots: 15).
- #023
Sonam Kapoor's second film.
- #024
It was said that Imran Khan would appear in the film for the first time, but he had in fact made his debut in 2008 with Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na (2008).
- #025
Amitabh Bachchan plays Abhishek Bachchan's grandfather.
- #026
The film was supposed to be released on 13 February 2009, but A. R. Rahman's decision not to continue with the project caused the film to be delayed. The background score was left incomplete and the release was postponed by a week. Delhi-6 finally opened on 20 February 2009 and premiered in New Delhi on 19 February 2009. Its first screening was held in New York on 15 February 2009.
- #027
It had previously been said that Rakesh Om Prakash Mehra would cast new actors in the film.
- #028
Rakesh Om Prakash Mehra sought the public's opinion on the film's posters when he released them, holding a vote on which poster would receive the most votes to become the film's poster.
- #029
Rakesh Om Prakash Mehra said that Abhishek Bachchan was his first choice but that there were scheduling issues, which were resolved.
- #030
The film is a kind of tribute to director Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra's Chandni Chowk in Old Delhi, where he grew up.
- #031
The film was released in cinemas in British Columbia, Canada.
- #032
Stereo Nation's song "Tere Hogaye Hum" at 1:57 had the melody of "Sasural Genda Phool." Taz's song was released in 2008, before Delhi 6.
- #033
A melody served as the background music for a scene in the film French Kiss, and this melody was later recreated for the opening melody of Masakali in Delhi 6.
- #034
Imran Khan was offered the film before Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na (2008) was released. However, the producers did not want to invest money in a newcomer before his film had come out.
- #035
Imran Khan auditioned for the film but lost the part. This was before his first film was released.
- #036
Production designer Samir Chanda, who had previously worked with Mehra on Aks (2001) and Rang De Basanti (2006), recreated the inner streets of Old Delhi in Sambhar, a town in Rajasthan with similar architecture. The historic Jama Masjid was also digitally added to the frame as a background in some scenes. The editing was done by Meghna Aschit and Rakeysh's wife Bharthi. In an interview, Rakeysh said he was not interested in the editing.
- #037
Although "Genda Phool" in DELHI-6 (2009) is said to have been inspired by a traditional song, its notes are quite similar to "Been Na Bajana" from SUNEHARI NAGIN (1963).
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