Bhopal: The City of Lakes transformed into a city of hope, joy, and homegrown pride as Abhishek Bachchan, acclaimed filmmaker Madhumita, and Bhopal’s very own rising star Daivik Bhagela returned to Bhopal to promote their upcoming ZEE5 original film, Kaalidhar Laapata. With its trailer already touching hearts nationwide, the film’s team came to Bhopal to share their story with the city that shaped so much of it.
Premiering on ZEE5 on 4th July, Kaalidhar Laapata was extensively filmed in Bhopal. Adding a layer of personal meaning to the visit was the presence of 8-year-old co-star Daivik Bhagela—Bhopal’s own rising star.
Having honed his craft on the city’s theatre stages, Daivik now marks his film debut opposite Abhishek Bachchan, making this homecoming deeply emotional and symbolic for him and the city alike.
In a heartfelt gesture that paid tribute to Bhopal’s spirit, Abhishek, Daivik, and Madhumita gathered at the iconic Upper Lake for a stunning sunset photo-op. As twilight fell, they lit floating diyas which gently drifted into a glowing formation that revealed the film’s title—Kaalidhar Laapata.
This symbolic act reflected the film’s essence—unfulfilled wishes coming to light and the enduring hope we carry within. Also present to support the film was Dr. Ilayaraja T (IAS), Secretary to the CM and Managing Director of the Madhya Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation.
'Coming back to Bhopal is always deeply personal for me'
Abhishek Bachchan shared his thoughts about the movie and his character, saying, “Coming back to Bhopal is always deeply personal for me. It’s not just a city I’ve filmed in—it feels like home and so many of my childhood memories are woven into its streets. Shooting Kaalidhar Laapata in Bhopal brought all of that flooding back.
Abhishek said further, "Now, returning for the film’s promotions has been just as special. One of the standout moments was the photo-op by the Bhopal lake—a powerful gesture that captures the essence of Kaalidhar Laapata. As hundreds of diyas lit up the water, it became a moving visual metaphor for what the film stands for: finding light in the most unlikely places, forming unexpected connections, and embracing life wholeheartedly, no matter where you are in your journey. That’s the soul of this story, and I hope it truly connects with everyone who watches it.”
I wanted to tell a story that feels universally relatable: Madhumita
Director Madhumita shared, “With Kaalidhar Laapata, I wanted to tell a story that feels deeply personal yet universally relatable, a story about feeling forgotten, and slowly finding your way back to yourself. Every time I come to Bhopal, I’m struck by the warmth, calm, and quiet strength of the people here—and I believe the film carries that same spirit. It’s rooted in emotion, in small, gentle moments that reflect the everyday beauty of life, and I hope audiences here see a part of themselves in it.”
Nothing short of magical: Daivik
Daivik Bhagela, who plays the spirited Ballu shared, “Promoting my very first film in my own city, that too alongside Abhishek Bachchan sir, feels nothing short of magical. Kaalidhar Laapata isn’t just a debut for me—it’s a piece of my heart. Working with Abhishek sir and Madhumita ma’am was a dream come true. They made me feel so welcome and supported, like I truly belonged. I learned so much every single day on set— about acting, storytelling, the small joys of life, second chances, forgotten dreams, and most importantly, about living in the moment. We poured so much love into this film, and I really hope the people of Bhopal feel that love when they watch it. This is for them.”
Film follows a man grappling with abandonment and quiet betrayals
Produced by Zee Studios and Emmay Entertainment, the film follows a middle-aged man grappling with memory loss, abandonment and a lifetime of quiet betrayals. When he overhears his siblings’ cruel plan to abandon him at the crowded Maha Kumbh Mela, Kaalidhar decides to disappear on his own terms. Fate intervenes in the form of Ballu (Daivik Bhagela), an outspoken, street-smart 8-year-old who’s been surviving solo on India’s chaotic streets.
What begins as a chance meeting becomes the beginning of something far more profound. The film follows this unlikely duo as they check off Kaalidhar’s long-forgotten dreams, revisit half-lived moments, and forge a bond that defies age, logic, and even time.
At its core, Kaalidhar Laapata is a celebration of second chances and the quiet revolution of finding joy when you least expect it. It delves into themes of familial neglect, freedom, and the deep human need to be understood—without judgement. Through Kaalidhar and Ballu’s journey, the film reminds us that sometimes, healing doesn’t come from fixing what’s broken, but from embracing the imperfection and choosing to live fully anyway.