To use people from daily walks of life so as to lend authenticity to the scene is a trend that is catching up with our filmmakers in a very big way. Recently filmmaker Ajay Chandok shot an entire song at strategic locations of Mumbai for his film Khalbali Hai Khalbali using not only auto rickshaws but also their drivers. Of course Nikhil Dwivedi, who made his debut in My Name is Anthony Gonsalves, was in full support of his director's decision. Describing his experience Nikhil said, "I used to commute in auto rickshaws in Bombay, but interacting with them closely and matching dance steps with them was a unique experience. It is the one that I will never forget."
Director Ajay Chandok said, "Shooting with real auto rickshaw drivers is my way of paying a tribute to them. They have been providing service to mankind 24X7 and they deserve credit for it. Also my film is for the common man so I don't see any reason as to why I shouldn't use their services for my film." Few know that it was Southern superstar Rajnikanth who started this trend. He used real auto rickshaw drivers for Baasha that turned out to be a global blockbuster. The actor continues to give them important roles in his films. As for Hindi films, it was singer turned actor Himesh Reshammiya who made it fashionable to include auto rickshaw drivers in films. In fact Reshammiya went one step ahead and transported them all the way to Germany for Aap Ka Suroor.
