This study explores the political dimensions and aesthetic strategies of urban beautification during the G20 Summit and their impact on the urban poor residing in Delhi’s Coolie Camp. By employing a qualitative research design with a gender-balanced sample through purposive sampling, this study incorporates in-depth semi-structured interviews with men and women. This methodology allows for a nuanced exploration of the personal and collective experiences of marginalized communities affected by the summit. Three emergent themes were identified: livelihood and economic hardship, the symbolism of the green curtain, and residents' perceptions of Delhi as a G20 city. The first theme highlights the severe economic struggles exacerbated by the summit, with residents facing income loss and disrupted livelihoods due to imposed lockdowns and restrictions. Women, in particular, confront unique economic challenges, reflecting broader systemic issues.The second theme delves into the aesthetics and symbolism of the green curtain used to conceal the slums, revealing deep-seated feelings of invisibility and shame among the residents. This curtain, while a physical barrier, also metaphorically represents the government's attempt to erase visible poverty from international scrutiny, showcasing the political aesthetics employed to maintain a façade of urban prosperity.The third theme examines the residents' perception of Delhi as a G20 city, juxtaposing the city's grandeur with the harsh realities of poverty. The narratives uncover a divided city where the benefits of hosting global events fail to reach the marginalized. By unraveling these veiled realities, this research contributes nuanced insights into the intersection of global events, urban development, and the lived experiences of marginalized communities. It calls for a critical examination of the political and aesthetic practices shaping public spaces in public spaces in public spaces in the global South.