Pack up for Delhi Metro on silver screen?

Swanky Delhi Metro's time under film arc lights may be nearing an end after a stellar run during which it hosted stars Amitabh Bachchan, Akshay Kumar, Abhay Deol, Sonam Kapoor, Vidya Balan, Deepika Padukone and many others during shootings. Subhendu Ray reports.

Swanky Delhi Metro's time under film arc lights may be nearing an end after a stellar run during which it hosted stars Amitabh Bachchan, Akshay Kumar, Abhay Deol, Sonam Kapoor, Vidya Balan, Deepika Padukone and many others during shootings.

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An icon of urban Delhi to many Bollywood filmmakers, the Metro has figured in several films, but the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) is no longer keen on allowing shootings on station premises.

According to a DMRC source, the reluctance stems from shootings possibly inconveniencing commuters and security concerns. Recently, a shooting proposal for Saif Ali Khan's Agent Vinod was turned down.

A DMRC official said, "There was a time when we could allow film shootings, as commuters' pressure was less on the network. Now, with massive expansion and growing commuters' dependence on the service, we cannot have that luxury."

Paa, Dev D and Delhi-6 are among a host of Bolly-wood films to have featured Delhi Metro.

DMRC spokesperson Anuj Dayal said, "These films promoted Delhi Metro in a big way and earned good revenue for us. But, we no longer encourage film shooting in the Metro because it would cause massive inconvenience for commuters. Nearly 20 lakh people depend on Delhi Metro on day-to-day basis."

As the curtains seemingly draw to a close, Delhi Metro could revel in the plaudits it has earned. After shooting for Paa, Bachchan wrote on his blog: "…What an incredible system the establishment has put up. The stations, platforms, the approach and construction, the trains themselves neat and clean and efficient. Felt good (sic)."