A Nostalgic Portrait of Old Delhi
Sonia Gandhi’s recently released memoir ‘Belonging: A Journey of Love’ brings alive the essence of Delhi as depicted in Sai Paranjpye’s 1980 classic film ‘Chashme Buddoor’. Both the book and the film serve as windows into a city that has dramatically evolved over the decades, yet remains enshrined in the nostalgia of quieter streets and intimate moments.
The Captured Souls of Old Delhi
In the movie ‘Chashme Buddoor’, viewers are treated to a slice of life in Delhi through the adventures of its protagonists—Siddharth, Omi, and Jomo. Riding motorbikes through serene roads and relishing ice creams near India Gate, they paint a picture of leisure and simplicity. Sonia Gandhi’s memoir mirrors this sentiment by describing Delhi as it was when she arrived in 1968.
Gandhi offers vivid descriptions of a city waking up to both opportunity and tradition, where the sound of jackals from nearby ridges and the sight of congested bicycles define its dynamic streets.
Shared Vistas: Bikes, Bazaars, and Betel
In her memoir, Gandhi reflects on learning Hindi during moped rides with friends through Delhi’s busy lanes, while Paranjpye’s film captures the same zest for freedom and movement with its iconic shots of the trio biking through the capital. Both narratives highlight eclectic street scenes—including cigarette and betel nut stalls run by vibrant characters, and the ever-present energy of markets.
The Beauty of Everyday Life
Sonia Gandhi reminisces about early rides to vibrant locations like Connaught Place—marked by unsolved mysteries such as red betel stains on walls. Her book is interspersed with memories of personal joy, including escapades on a Vespa once owned by Rajiv Gandhi. Similarly, the film’s characters find happiness in shared moments at cafes and bazaars, exchanging stories and anticipations for the future.
Resonating Histories
Both Sonia Gandhi’s narrative and Paranjpye’s cinema recognize the 1982 Asian Games as a pivotal point, noting the infrastructural changes that these games brought to Delhi, from flyovers to sports facilities. This period heralded a new phase for Delhi, giving perspective to the memories etched in her work and Paranjpye’s film.
In both Gandhi’s writings and the cinematic story of ‘Chashme Buddoor’, Delhi is seen more than a setting—it’s a vibrant character intertwined with their journeys, glowing with cherished memories of a bygone era.
Photo by Mollie Sivaram on Unsplash
