As the world marks World Heritage Day on April 18, residents of Lambeshwar ni Pol in Ahmedabad India’s only UNESCO-designated World Heritage City are grappling with an unintended consequence of their historic neighbourhood’s growing popularity: frequent disruptions caused by pre-wedding photo shoots and film crews.
Poster boy of heritage, but at what cost?
The Lambeshwar ni Pol Chabutaro, a delicately carved bird-feeding tower tucked in a narrow lane of the Old City, has become the poster boy of Ahmedabad’s heritage charm-frequently featured in Gujarati serials, films and more recently, Bollywood. Kartik Aaryan’s Satyaprem Ki Katha was partially shot here in 2022, only amplifying its fame. The chabutaro’s timeless elegance, colourful houses, and labyrinthine alleys make it the perfect backdrop for couples looking to immortalise their love. But for residents, this cinematic allure has begun to wear thin.
‘Homes are not film sets’
Mistri Urmila, a 47-year-old homemaker who has lived in Lambeshwar ni Pol all her life, voices a growing sentiment among locals. “We’ve seen many inappropriate actions by couples who come here to shoot,” she says. “These are heritage houses, yes-but they’re also our homes.”
What irks them more is the lack of consent. “Most people don’t even bother to ask. They just show up with their crew, makeup kits, reflectors and start shooting,” she adds.
Fed up, her family has put up a handwritten notice outside their home: “No pre-wedding photography or videography allowed here.”
Privacy? What’s that?
The issue is not just about noise or traffic. It’s about dignity, say residents. Hemal Shastri, a 50-year-old businessman from the area, explains: “Our houses are old. Many still have water taps and washrooms outside. Women from our families use them. Now imagine someone waking up to a pre-wedding video shoot outside their home-it’s uncomfortable and intrusive.” While some residents have put up signs, the impact has been limited.
As Ahmedabad basks in the glory of its heritage status on World Heritage Day, locals are left wondering whether the city’s legacy is being reduced to a photoshoot backdrop. “We’re not against photography,” says a resident. “But there has to be a balance. Respect for heritage should go beyond the frame-into how we treat the people who live amidst it.”