Analogy

Chandni Chowk emanates a lot of things that one can experience when they visit it but not all of those things relate to the Musical comedy and crime film Chicago. Some of the themes that I did pick out in particular that run parallel with the setting of Chandni Chowk are discussed in this week's blog post below.

1. Hustle 

In all my visits to the Chowk and as well as our appointed research area, Khari Baoli one cannot overlook the most common thing there is; the Crowd and its constant hustle. The movie constantly projects Chicago's swerving crowds of people always rushing to their own business. You cannot stand in Chandni Chowk for even a moment without being pushed and shoved every now and then and their snide remarks don't get any better.

2. Bling

Chicago's entire plot revolves around the protagonist's persistent avidity for fame, money and all that jazz. This isn't quite that different from what most small markets in Chandni Chowk have to offer. Kinari Bazaar, Dariba Kalaan or even Khari Baoli in particular entices a shopper to purchase as much as one can lay their hands on all thanks to their substandard prices and fine quality.

3. Expectations

In the movie, Roxie Hart imagines a vaudeville show she creates in her mind to escape from the blatant reality and it's harsh truth's about how her career can never kick start respite all her dedication and beauty. Most of the laborers you meet and talk to in Chandni Chowk don't have anything different to say. All they dream of is a fixed minimum wage that meets their expectations. Even the shopkeepers and the shoppers imagine what the place would have looked like if it were cleaner and more organized.

4. Media

Being that Chandni Chowk is a prominent old shopping hub of the city, most shops are very keen on receiving attention from the media. One such instance was when we approached a Paranthewali shop for an interview, the cook immediately asked, "Are you from the press?" and our witless answer to the question made him ask us to leave the shop because he had no time otherwise. The role of media in Chicago's story emphasizes crime, murder, celebrities, disasters and anything that dishes a juicy scandal.