Lucknow: Lucknow Bioscope, under the banner of Filmistaan, hosted a special screening of Galiyon Mein Lucknow, offering audiences an intimate look into the social and cultural fabric of the city’s traditional neighbourhoods.
Through lived experiences and personal narratives, the film captured the deep sense of brotherhood and belonging that defines Lucknow’s iconic galiyan (lanes). Featuring voices such as Roshan Taqui and Rishad Rizvi, among others, the documentary traced the evolution of these neighbourhoods while highlighting their everyday rhythms and shared histories.
The film explored how these narrow lanes have historically shaped community life, where evenings unfold on chabootras—platforms outside homes—bringing people together for conversations, games like chess, and moments of collective leisure. It painted a vivid portrait of a lifestyle rooted in connection and continuity.
The screening was followed by an engaging discussion with co-director Apurva Shah, who reflected on the enduring spirit of community. “Belonging grows when we ask from one another. Those who live in the lanes understand this deeply,” she said, adding that modern lifestyles have increasingly led to isolation, making it essential to preserve and nurture community bonds.
Speaking about the filmmaking process, she shared that the project took nearly five months, including extensive research and editing. “When I began, I expected a simple, predictable project, but the research revealed a profound depth of human experience,” she noted.
Directed by Ayesha Khatoon and Apurva Shah, Galiyon Mein Lucknow stands as a poignant documentary that brings forward the voices of those who call the city’s lanes and bylanes their home.
The event offered audiences not just a cinematic experience, but a reflective journey into the essence of Lucknow’s cultural identity—one rooted in shared spaces, stories, and enduring human connections.
