“There was a time when minarets and domes were visible through the roofs but now only cell towers can be seen.” This powerful line echoed through the hearts of the audience as Lucknow Bioscope hosted the screening of its much-anticipated in-house production, Kahani Har Mod Par, on the evening of Friday, April 25, 2025. The venue, tucked in the heritage-rich lanes of Qaiser Bagh at 130, J.C. Bose Road, transformed into a melting pot of nostalgia, storytelling, and celebration of the city’s enduring spirit.
Directed by the thoughtful duo Apurva Shah and Aisha Khatoon, the documentary-style film delicately portrays the lives hidden in the folds of Lucknow’s iconic galis (lanes). From Yahiyaganj to Rakabganj and Chowk, Kahani Har Mod Par journeys through real stories, real voices, and the resilient pulse of Old Lucknow. The screening commenced at 6:00 PM IST, after a warm introduction by co-director Aisha Khatoon, who shared the intent behind the film’s creation — to preserve stories often lost amidst high-rises and mobile networks.
The film revolves around three deeply rooted individuals whose lives intersect with the soul of the city — Pramesh Agarwal of Yahiyaganj, Mariyam Imran of Rakabganj, and Renu Ji, a post woman from Chowk. Through their voices, the audience was transported to a world of six-by-ten shops, bustling lanes, neighborly warmth, and the humble heroism of daily life.
Pramesh Agarwal, with a twinkle in his eye, speaks of Yahiyaganj’s market: “The shops in Yahiyaganj are as small as 6×10 but their value is in crores. This is a wholesale market and supplies the entire city of Lucknow.” His words bring alive the commercial legacy of the place.
Mariyam Imran adds a layer of cultural richness, remarking, “The people in my gali are so helpful that even when me or my sisters are alone at home, my guardians need not worry about us. In modern day societies, one does not know their neighbours.” Her sentiment offers a sharp contrast to the anonymity of today’s urban life.
Then comes Renu Ji, the embodiment of grit and grace. “I’ve been through the galis of Chowk, because I need to deliver letters. I am the first post woman in my office in Chowk,” she shares proudly. Her journey, as discovered by the filmmakers during research for the Mahindra Sanatkada Lucknow Festival 2025, brings forth a poignant feminist narrative wrapped in simplicity.
The screening concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks by co-director Apurva Shah. The film’s production was supported by Sanatkada Trust, with soulful visuals captured by photographers Prakhar Khare, Ayan Bose, and Anshubhi Singh.
In an age where rapid urbanisation threatens to erase the essence of cities, Kahani Har Mod Par serves as both documentation and tribute. It reminds us that beyond the skyline of cell towers, lie stories that deserve to be seen, heard, and remembered — at every turn, at every mod.
This was not just a film screening. It was a gentle yet powerful reminder that the heart of Lucknow still beats strong in its gallis, in its people, and in their everyday courage.
