Actor and producer Aniruddh Dave has completed the Lucknow schedule of the upcoming film Baby Weds Babu. Directed by Deepak Srivastava, the film stars Hrishitaa Bhatt and Kanpur-based actor and influencer Kapil Kanpuriya in lead roles, along with Brijendra Kala, Akhilendra Mishra, Himani Shivpuri and Lucknowite Tulika Banerjee.
Aniruddh Dave
Set entirely in Lucknow, the film was extensively shot across the city. Dave, who is also one of the producers, said, “Lucknow continues to be in the forefront as far as actors and shooting is concerned. The city has such seasoned actors who are now playing major parts in films and shows. It has come a long way in terms of the entertainment industry. So when the time came to shoot our film, Lucknow became a unanimous choice.”
Akhilendra Mishra shoots for upcoming film in Lucknow
Baby Weds Babu explores the idea that there is no fixed age for marriage. The film combines humour, emotion and social observation. Dave said the project also highlights the growing opportunities for artists from Uttar Pradesh, particularly Kapil Kanpuriya, who began his journey as an influencer in Kanpur and has now taken on the lead role in a feature film. “This is an important moment because an actor from Uttar Pradesh is leading a film today. Kapil Kanpuriya has done a brilliant job in the film,” said Dave.
Himani Shivpuri (in blue sari) shooting with Lucknow actors Tulika Bannerjee and Mahesh Chandra Deva (far left)
The film has been shot at several prominent locations across the city including Barood Khana, Rumi Darwaza, the Picture Gallery, Ghanta Ghar and Kudiya Ghat. The team also filmed at local shops and residential properties across the city. A significant portion of the shoot took place at Narayan Niwas in Barood Khana, a heritage property that has previously hosted film shoots. “There are so many beautiful frames in Lucknow. I have shot in the city earlier and always wanted to showcase them in my own production at some point,” says the actor-producer.
Brijendra Kala films a scene in a vintage property; also seen (dressed as a Pandit) is Lucknow-based actor Mahesh Chandra Deva
“Lucknow is my second home. I actually attended early theatre grooming classes at the Bhartendu Natya Akademi here. Filming projects in the region, including extensive schedules for movies and my web series Dil Cheer Ke Dekh, makes me deeply admire the city’s artistic background and the exceptional talent of its local theatre actors,” he adds.
