A Journey of Cinema, Friendship, Teamwork & Production Excellence in the City of the Taj
Some film projects remain memorable not merely because of the film itself, but because of the people, places, challenges and countless moments experienced behind the camera. “Dilphire” is one such unforgettable chapter of my journey in the Indian film industry.
Directed by Punit Prakash and produced by Raj Khatri Films, Dilphire was shot extensively in Agra during 2013 and 2015, with nearly 99% of the film being filmed across Agra locations. Although the film is still awaiting its release, the memories created during its production remain an extremely valuable part of my professional journey.
As Line Producer – North India, I had the privilege of coordinating the production requirements for this ambitious project through the TrueWay Network team. Over approximately 50–60 shooting days, our team worked closely with the cast, crew, production department and local authorities to make the shooting experience as smooth and efficient as possible.
Agra — More Than Just the Taj Mahal
For this production, Agra became much more than a backdrop. Its streets, neighbourhoods, markets, roads, landscapes and distinctive atmosphere provided a wide range of cinematic possibilities.
Working extensively across the city gave us an opportunity to demonstrate the importance of professional location management, permissions and clearances, logistics, local coordination, crew support and on-ground production management.
Every shooting day brought something new—location challenges, crowd management, equipment movement, artists’ requirements, traffic and local coordination. Yet, with teamwork and determination, we successfully navigated the demands of a long shooting schedule.
A Memorable Cast & Crew
The project brought together a talented ensemble of actors, including Karan Kundrra, Sheetal Thakur, Rajesh Sharma, Vidya Sinha, Alok Nath, Rahul Roy, Vinay Pathak, Yogesh Tripathi, Amit Mistri, Chandan K. Anand and Neeraj Sood, among others.
It was a wonderful learning experience to work around such accomplished artists and an experienced filmmaking team. The set was filled with energy, creativity, camaraderie and, of course, plenty of memorable moments between shots.
I am particularly grateful for the opportunity to have also performed a small character in the film—as the Personal Assistant to Rajesh Sharma’s character, “Mantri ji.” Being able to experience a production simultaneously from the perspectives of both line production and acting made this project even more special for me.
50–60 Days That Taught Us So Much
A long shooting schedule teaches you things that no classroom can.
From early-morning calls and location preparation to managing equipment, artists, crew movement, permissions, local coordination and last-minute requirements, every day demanded patience, planning and quick decision-making.
Our TrueWay Network team enjoyed the entire journey immensely. Along the way, we learned even more about the practical realities of film production—how important communication is, how every department depends upon another, and how a successful shoot ultimately depends upon collective teamwork.
Those days strengthened our belief that professional production services are not simply about arranging resources; they are about creating an environment in which filmmakers can concentrate on telling their story.
A Chapter of the TrueWay Network Journey
For me, Dilphire represents an important chapter in the evolution of TrueWay Network as a North India production-support team.
The project gave us valuable experience in handling a large-scale, extended shooting schedule in Agra and strengthened our confidence in providing comprehensive on-ground production support to filmmakers.
Today, whenever I look back at those BTS photographs, I don’t simply see a film set. I see a journey—of people coming together, solving challenges, discovering locations, sharing laughter, working long hours and creating memories.
Waiting for the Day the Film Reaches the Audience
The film may still be awaiting its release, but the story behind its making has already become a cherished part of our professional memories.
Perhaps one day Dilphire will finally reach its audience, allowing viewers to see the story that brought such a wonderful cast and crew to Agra.
Until then, the photographs from those shooting days remain a beautiful reminder of a time when cinema, Agra and the TrueWay Network team came together for an unforgettable journey.
Dilphire was more than a shooting assignment for us—it was an experience of passion, perseverance, friendship, learning and teamwork.
With gratitude & cherished memories
Satya Prakash Shukla
Advocate | Line Producer – North India
Production Services by TrueWay Network
Agra • North India
“Where stories find their perfect location.”
