ASI plans stricter regulations for filmmakers violating shooting norms at Delhi monuments

The Archeological Survey of India (ASI) may tighten its regulations for filmmakers who violate the guidelines while shooting at various monuments in Delhi.

An official from the ASI Delhi Circle explained that, under the previous rules, any film unit violating regulations would lose their security deposit, and future shooting permissions would be cancelled.

However, the ASI is now considering a stricter stance, potentially denying future permissions to any film unit, even if they request to shoot again.

“This stricter approach is not in the ASI Act, but we can consider it on our own if violations occur,” the official clarified.

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In response to an RTI filed by Patriot in September, which inquired about actions taken by ASI against filmmakers violating shooting norms at Delhi monuments, the ASI stated, “The security deposit of Rajender Ghimiri, from North India Film & Entertainment, for the show Biryani Hunt, was forfeited for bringing a gas cylinder to Agrasen ki Baoli, a centrally protected monument.”

The violation took place in June this year. The show is aired on Hotstar TV and is curated by popular chef Ranveer Brar.

The film shooting rates at UNESCO World Heritage monuments in Delhi are Rs. one lakh per day, along with an additional security deposit of Rs. 50,000. For non-UNESCO sites, the daily charge is Rs. 50,000, with a security deposit of Rs. 10,000. The security deposit is refundable if no damage occurs to the monument. In Delhi, three monuments are UNESCO World Heritage sites: Humayun’s Tomb, Qutub Minar, and Red Fort.

ASI officials noted that Red Fort, Humayun’s Tomb, and, Qutub Minar are always in demand for film shoots. “These monuments remain Bollywood favourites as they are iconic landmarks with rich historical significance. Top actors and directors prefer to shoot there,” said an official.

Officials also reported an increased number of web series being filmed at Delhi’s monuments. “There has been a gradual rise in web series shoots compared to Bollywood films. This could be because web series are more cost effective, easier to produce, and do not require big star casts,” the official added.

With winter setting in, officials expect an increase in film shoots, particularly Bollywood films.

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“During winter, filmmakers flock to Delhi because the temperature remains comfortable for shooting,” the official explained.

However, pollution is a challenge filmmakers face in Delhi, and they often plan their shoots accordingly. Many prefer shooting in months when the pollution level is lower.

In 2019, the Delhi schedule of the film Dostana 2, starring Janhvi Kapoor and Kartik Aaryan, was postponed due to severe pollution. Similarly, South Indian actor Vijay’s film Thalapathy 64 also faced delays because of the high pollution levels in the same year.

“I’m currently scouting locations for my upcoming projects scheduled for January and February,” said Javed Khan, a film line producer based in Delhi.

To obtain shooting permissions for a Delhi monument, the applicant must submit the purpose and script of the film, the name and two passport-sized photographs of the cameraman, a list of equipment, a list of crew members, and if the applicant is a foreigner, a clearance letter from the Ministry of External Affairs of India.

In addition, foreign crew members must provide passport details and proof of citizenship, and for foreign applicants shooting a feature film, a clearance certificate from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting is also required.