While Salman Khan turning up to shoot for 'Dabangg 2' in Kanpur remains in doubt, one thing seems certain, and that is that parts of the film will be shot in Kanpur as the makers have been talking about for some time. Confirming this was producer Arbaz Khan who spent Friday in Kanpur checking out the likely shooting locales. Among the places that the 'Dabangg 2' team visited were Ghanta Ghar, Birhana Road, Saint Marys Convent, Ganga barrage, the Central railway station and Phool bagh.
Members from Arbaaz’s team who were with him in Kanpur, affirmed that some important scenes for the film will be shot in some of these locations in the second week of September.
Talking about their visit, Kanpurite and co producer of the film, Manoj Chaturvedi said, “We planned a visit to the city for location scouting for 'Dabangg 2'. Arbaaz himself wanted to see the locations so we kept the entire visit a secret so that we don’t face any trouble and nor do we inconvenience the locales.”
Talking about the preferred locations, Chaturvedi continued, “Arbaaz has really liked the location of Saint Mary’s School and Ganga Barrage. Also, we want that the opening scene of the film should be shot with a sunrise scene in Kanpur. As for Ganga barrage, we are planning to shoot a murder sequence there.” Cinematographer Aseem Mishra also accompanied
Arbaaz Khan and Manoj Chaurvedi during the location hunting.
Not just Kanpur, Arbaaz’s team did location hunting in Lucknow as well, where they plan to hold a four-day schedule for the film. Talking about their trip, Manoj said, “Before coming to Kanpur, we spent some time in Lucknow. We plan to shoot a kidnapping sequence in Lucknow for which we need a crowded space.” Rati Shanker Tripathi, line manager, accompanied Arbaaz on his Lucknow trip. He told us later, “We checked out certain houses in Chowk and Aminabad areas as well as the railway station. We also paid a visit to Hazratganj and maybe one of the chase sequences will be shot there, depending of course on crowd management.”
When journos played traffic cops for Arbaaz: Arbaaz was followed by mediapersons as he went about his business in Kanpur. But far from restricting his work, the paparazzi turned into a helping hand. When Arbaaz’s fleet got stuck in a traffic jam at Ashok Nagar, the journos came to his aid and helped clear the way for him to pass through. He was later heard commenting, “Isse pehle maine kabhi nahi dekha ki kisi celebrity ki gaadi jam mein phasi ho aur media wale hi rasta saaf karwa dein!”
After completing his work, Arbaaz and his team pampered their tastebuds with some Kanpur delicacies. Dharmesh, Manoj’s brother, arranged for laddoos and malai giloris for Arbaaz and his team.