New Delhi: Veteran actress Zarina Wahab fondly recalls Do Deewane Sheher Mein from her 1977 film Gharonda as a song that remains deeply special even decades later. Speaking about the making of the iconic track, Wahab revealed that it was shot in just two days and filmed with remarkable spontaneity.

Zarina Wahab revisits the magic, memories, and enduring charm of Do Deewane Sheher Mein

Director Bhimsain allowed the actors to perform freely, without excessive intervention, letting moments unfold naturally on camera. According to Wahab, the song’s lyrical beauty and visual simplicity were so striking that they almost overshadowed the performances themselves.

What made the experience particularly special was that the song was filmed entirely at real locations across Mumbai, including Bandstand, Nariman Point, and Hanging Gardens. “Shooting at real places used to feel wonderful,” Wahab recalls, adding that as a newcomer, every frame and every location felt like a discovery.

Interestingly, the song did not feature a separate dance director. Bhimsain himself choreographed the number, and the actors simply followed his instructions. This simplicity of approach became central to the song’s timeless charm.

Wahab also spoke warmly about her co-star Amol Palekar, describing him as a natural performer whose understated acting pushed her to be more real and truthful on screen. She calls him not only a gifted artist but also a compassionate and kind co-actor who often helped her understand and sail through scenes whenever she felt uncertain.

The film was well-received and went on to be appreciated by both audiences and critics. The song, too, continues to resonate even today. Wahab shared a recent incident from Rishikesh, where two young fans unexpectedly sang Do Deewane Sheher Mein for her, proving that it has struck a chord with younger generations as well.

On the costume front, Wahab revealed that her look was consciously kept minimal to suit her character—a simple girl living in a chawl. The director’s wife selected cotton sarees that reflected the character’s middle-class background, reinforcing the authenticity of her “girl-next-door” persona.

That image, she says, came naturally to her. Having grown up in a middle-class household herself, she didn’t have to put in any extra effort. “I just played myself,” she says, which perhaps explains why audiences connected so deeply with her character and performance.

Wahab is currently shooting in Rishikesh for an upcoming film titled Ganga, in which she plays the titular role, with Amit Sadh portraying her son.