Manish has poured everything into his debut directorial project — a large-scale musical tribute to Hindi film romance, set inside Filmcity's studio world. His associate director Dave brings in Divya Kulkarni, a theatre and make-up artist with no prior screen credits, as the lead actress. Her casting immediately ignites controversy among cast, crew, and entertainment press, while the media pairs her with Rehan Khan, the film's second-generation star lead. Meanwhile, Divya's boyfriend Raunak — a Filmcity tour guide and aspiring actor who made the introduction possible — watches the situation unravel.
Then the pandemic shuts the production down entirely.
Vanshika Lakhani uses the enforced halt to turn a Bollywood backstage story into an examination of what ambition costs — and what it costs the people around those who carry it. The relationships among the crew are tested in ways that the professional setting had kept manageable; what the shutdown exposes is harder to contain. Raunak's arc, from peripheral figure to the emotional centre of the story, gives the novel its grounding weight beneath the glamour.
For readers who want romance genuinely entangled with professional life, and a Bollywood setting that gets the industry's textures right, this is a warm and layered read.
ABOUT THE BOOK:- Manish is a first-time director and co-producer of his passion project called Love in Filmcity, the larger-than-life, musical tribute to romance in Hindi films. His associate director is a New York film school alumnus, Dave. On Dave's recommendation, Manish decides to sign a debutant actress, Diva / Divya Kulkarni, a dusky-complexion make-up and theater artist, as his lead actress. Her involvement causes a storm within the cast, crew, and media. She starts liking Dave and also gets paired by the media with the lead actor and a second-generation industry star, Rehan Khan. Divya's boyfriend, Raunak, a Filmcity tour guide and a budding actor, is heartbroken. With grand sets, soulful legendary music and talented artists, the perfect recipe for a blockbuster film had been made. However, the world comes crashing down owing to the Coronavirus pandemic. The shooting comes to a standstill, and henceforth the cast and crew are mired in endless hurdles. Does the film get completed for a well-deserved release? What is the hurricane around Diva? What are the relationship dynamics among the film members? Does Raunak realize his true love? Love in Filmcity presents to you all a celebration of romance, layered drama and satire while immersing you in the world of filmmaking and the exploration of relationships and love. Contents Chapter 1 The Tour Chapter 2 The Audition Chapter 3 Dark Room Chapter 4 Anna Chapter 5 The Henna Girl Chapter 6 Rehearsals Chapter 7 Spaghetti Incident Chapter 8 Passion Project Chapter 09 Black Hole Chapter 10 Script Session Chapter 11 Muhurat Shot Chapter 12 News Travels Fast Chapter 13 Olive Chapter 14 Smoke and Fire Chapter 15 Many Eyes? Chapter 16 Tribute Montage 1 Chapter 17 Calm Before the Storm Chapter 18 Knock Knock Chapter 19 It's a Loop Chapter 20 Cutting through the Chaos Chapter 21 Inner Turmoil Chapter 22 Test of Times Chapter 23 Crisp Trepidation Chapter 24 Come Back Chapter 25 Salvation Chapter 26 Out of the Cocoon Chapter 27 Dream Alive Chapter 28 Project Reboot Chapter 29 The Lead Chapter 30 Recoup Chapter 31 Tribute Montage 2 Chapter 32 It Doesn't End Chapter 33 Take Comfort Chapter 34 Rules of The Game Chapter 35 Inner Demons Chapter 36 Guilt Trip Chapter 37 Redemption Chapter 38 The Last Leg Chapter 39 Trial Show Prologue:- A bride dressed in a coral pink lehenga sat amid her cheerful friends. Henna was being applied to her feet and hands. Her eyes were wrinkling at the corners, and small tear droplets were shining against her glowing skin. Her head was so full of happiness and elation. It was surreal for her and she found it difficult to believe that it was finally happening. Her dusky complexion shone as the warm sunshine poured positivity and good luck upon her. All the love she felt exuded from her and she felt immense contentment. She did complete justice to her name; she looked like a pure diva. Diva's friends surrounded her and exchanged glances and jokes. Everyone felt light-headed, as if they had entered a trance of sheer joy. Noises of chatter amid the elderly ladies could be heard, while there were some women who were performing traditional folk songs with dholaks. Some of the younger girls sat encircling those women with spoons and plates in their hands to amplify and add to the percussion. A group of adolescent girls was dancing to their hearts' content to the music being played. All of the clamour kept fading in and out for Diva, as her heartbeat grew loud and fast; she could hear it in her ears. She felt many emotions; inexplicable pleasure with a tinge of sadness and vulnerability. As she stared into oblivion while looking at the henna on her hands, she got lost in memories of her past. Divya, as she was once known, was sitting on a stool in a huge studio green room. She hurried to finish applying henna on the hands of a top-tier film actress. The actress murmured something, which made Divya slow down and shift her attention to creating an intricate design on her palm. She was working meticulously on the design when she heard a male voice approach her, screaming incoherently. It sent jitters down her body. Before the man could charge at her, he was stopped and soothed by a calm man. Diva sat there tense until her chain of thoughts was broken by the nudge of her friend. She grounded herself back in reality and attempted to enjoy the moment. She had a bittersweet smile on her face, remembering the man she had immense adulation for. As the chain of events progressed, Diva was ready to take nuptial vows. She continued to look at her hand, which was now placed in her groom, Raunak's hand while they were seated for their wedding rituals. She took a deep breath while having a meditative smile on her face. The priest started chanting hymns and mantras. Raunak and Diva sat with their hands tied together. As the priest finished chanting his mantra, the couple rose. A nuptial knot, tied to their wedding attires connected them. They stood in a stunning dome-shaped mandapa, surrounded by their loved ones. Diva attired in a crimson red lehenga and Raunak, sporting a cream sherwani, radiated glamour from top to bottom. While Diva's clothes exhibited her unabashed passion, Raunak's clothes personified his balance, calmness and subtlety. Everyone looked joyful for them. Diva and Raunak exchanged looks for comfort. Their eye brimmed with utmost love and gratitude they were experiencing this day and a sense of certainty that everything would turn out to be just fine. Once they broke eye contact, the priest started chanting mantras, gesturing for them to go around the fire. The dear ones showered them with flower petals. It was a spectacle to behold.
.png)
