Tanvi Trivedi (BOMBAY TIMES; June 24, 2020)

While TV shows were scheduled to resume shoots from yesterday, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) and the Cine And TV Artistes’ Association (CINTAA) issued a circular on Monday (June 22), stating otherwise. The circular clearly stated that no shoots can start till issues pertaining to sanitation, safety, payment schedule, insurance and shift timings are sorted. However, the shoots of two TV shows — Pyar Ki Luka Chuppi and Shakti - Astitva Ke Ehsaas Ki — resumed yesterday at Naigaon.

Pawan Kumar, the producer of both the shows, told BT, “Yes, we have started shooting, as we have the necessary permission from Maharashtra government. We are taking all the necessary steps for the safety of our team. It is important that our staff, especially those on daily wages, get to earn their livelihood. We are sanitising the set every hour and taking all precautions.”

Aparna Dixit, who plays the lead in Pyar Ki Luka Chuppi, added, “Very few people were present on the set; the others were coming only when required. Everyone was wearing masks except us, because we can’t wear masks on camera. Our temperature was checked every hour, and we had to sanitise our hands frequently. I carried my own make-up kit, and since I was the only female artiste on the set, there was just one hairstylist and make-up person. It is natural to get apprehensive, but at the end of the day, the show has to go on.”
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Aparna Dixit, show’s lead informs that only 20-30 people were on location with mandatory face shields, masks, gloves
Akash Bhatnagar (MUMBAI MIRROR; June 24, 2020)

While other broadcasters are still mulling ways to get back to work, Dangal’s Pyaar Ki Luka Chuppi has become the first TV show to resume shooting in Mumbai on Tuesday. Produced by Rashmi Sharma, the show was filmed on a set in Naigaon with lead actress Aparna Dixit, who is happy to be back in action after three months. “It’s different and not as casual as shoots used to be before,” she admits, quick to add that we need to learn to live with Coronavirus and staying home is not helping economically.

The team was ready a fortnight ago, but the shoot was delayed because the makers wanted to ensure maximum safety.

“There are temperature checks at the entry and everyone on the set, except for the actors, are required to wear face shields. Masks are compulsory and sanitisers are all around. Sanitisation was happening every hour and even the two people present in the make-up room, with mandatory masks and gloves, were not allowed to touch our faces,” relays Aparna, who reported for work at 9 am and was done by 3 pm.

She took certain precautions on her own, like carrying her personal make-up, sanitiser and spray. “I kept touch-ups to the minimum, was conscious not to touch my face or talk to too many people. I sat in a corner with my driver sanitising my chair every time I returned to it,” she informs.

Talking about the arrangements on set, she shared that there were only 20-30 people present on location, with only one other actor, Shahab Khan, who plays her father in the show. “Everyone was kept out with the exception of the DOP and two light guys. My co-actor and I stood at a distance and between shots, I wore a face shield since I can’t wear a mask as it would spoil the makeup. I was quite comfortable,” she says.

Did she sign any documents regarding insurance cover, safety measures and other SoPs? “I haven’t signed anything yet, but I have spoken to the makers about it,” she signs off.