Scripts will be improvised so as to not have scenes with too many people
Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; July 24, 2020)

With PPE kits and sanitisers in place, your favourite celebrities have brought back your favourite TV shows on air again, but with tweaks for both the storyline and how they shoot. Shows now won’t have shoots in different locations, family together in one frame, fights, marriages or hand-holding.

‘Kiss will become flying kiss’
J D Majethia, producer of the show Bhakarwadi, says a big no to any scene which shows a gathering of people. “You can’t have too many people in one frame. We also have to cut down on scenes which show someone touching an elder’s feet! Aashirwaad bhi door se dena padhega. Intimacy isn’t there on TV anyway,” he says.

The 51-year-old sums it up by saying, “Earlier, there was kiss, now it has become a flying kiss. We can’t go to outdoor locations, as that would be dangerous for that particular locality. Though we haven’t tweaked our story too much, we have a new track.”

Precautionary measures part of the show
Viewers who watch Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, saw their favourite characters wearing face shields, masks and using sanitisers — all as a part of the story. Pooja Banerjee, who is working on two shows currently — Kumkum Bhagya and Kasautii Zindagii Kay 2, says stories have already been tweaked according to the guidelines. “There’s no touching, no romantic scenes, no intimate scenes, or even hugging. When I was shooting for Kumkum Bhagya, literally even the elbow touching was missing. In fact, I wear a face mask in one of the scenes, and those are part of the episode. We sanitise our hands after a scene even if we touch just a glass,” she tells us.

Kamya Panjabi, whose show Shakti - Astitva Ke Ehsaas Ki is back with new episodes, says that the story will change for many shows. “We won’t be able to explore much. Your safety is in your hands. The channel and producer won’t serve safety on a platter. We will only shoot indoors now,” she says.

Technology to the rescue?
From a writer’s point of view too, things will alter. Sumrit Shahi, who has been the writer for shows such as Veer Ki Ardaas… Veera and the recent web show Never Kiss Your Best Friend, says that as smaller units are in operation, storylines will change in terms of the grandness. “A lot of grandeur shots require many production people, and that is changing. One should be glad that work is finally happening again now. I don’t think anyone is in a state of complaining,” he reasons.

He goes on to give an example of how the shots will look like. “You write the close up scenes in such a way that the two people are in the same frame, but it’s not being shot together. Also, we don’t write crowd scenes, we will use stock footage, but I don’t know how much of a solution is that, we’ll have to use audio smartly,” says Shahi.

Hands are tied, show banks to go for a toss
Producer Benaifer Kohli, who is shooting for her show Bhabi Ji Ghar Par Hai, says that right now, she’s not interested in spending on costumes or jewellery for her characters, but rather on safety procedures. “I have told everyone to be six feet apart. My show set is certified safe,” Kohli tells us.

Emphasising on how even guidelines can’t change a good storyteller, Kohli admits that in a sense, her hands are tied. She says, “If I write ‘bazaar mein’, bazaar dikha nahi sakti. I want to show five people have gone to the police station, but I can’t show those five people. We are limited. We will have to shoot smartly.” she adds.

Prashant Singh and Shreya Mukherjee (HINDUSTAN TIMES; June 25, 2020)

Soon after the Maharashtra government gave the nod for TV shows to resume shoots and issued guidelines for the same post the Coronavirus lockdown, makers and channels started prepping to return to work. In fact, two Hindi shows — Pyar Ki Luka Chuppi and Shakti - Astitva Ke Ehsaas Ki — resumed shooting on June 23. However, before others could follow suit, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) and Cine And TV Artistes’ Association (CINTAA) halted shoots stating certain guidelines weren’t met, including working hours, insurance cover etc. But after a meeting between FWICE, CINTAA and Indian Film & Television Producers’ Council (IFTPC) on Wednesday, shoots will now resume.

Pawan Kumar, producer-director of both these shows, says, “We’re adhering to guidelines. If there are any changes needed, we’ll try and incorporate. We can’t stop shooting because so many people right now need the job.” Kumar adds shooting for Santoshi Maa - Sunayein Vrat Kathayein and Jag Janani Maa Vaishno Devi - Kahani Mata Rani Ki and two upcoming shows will resume shortly and that all six are being shot in Ramdev studio, Naigaon. “The entire set and nearby areas are being sanitised every 30 minutes. Everyone is wearing masks, face shields except the actors. The cast and crew are staying in Naigaon,” he says.

Similarly, the cast and crew of Devi Aadi Parashakti reached Umbergaon, Gujarat, where they were quarantined. “Our two weeks got over on June 23 and we’ll start when everyone’s ready. We’re in a complete green zone and we’re taking extra precautions. Siddharth and Rahul (Kumar Tewary; producers of the show) are ensuring safety,” says actor Tarun Khanna.

J D Majethia, actor-producer and chairman (TV & web), IFTPC, shares they’ve received permissions from locations in and around Mumbai — Film City Chitra Nagari, Mira Road, Thane, Palghar etc. Hence, shooting for other shows may start from Thursday once they sort out insurance issues. “For now, we’ll avoid marriage and party scenes. In the long run, we’ll restructure the industry’s working pattern,” he says.

Meanwhile actor Rashami Desai might shoot for the finale of Naagin 4 on June 26. Next in line to resume could be Kumkum Bhagya. In fact, most are eager to resume shooting, but with caution. While actor Varun Badola is ready to shoot for Mere Dad ki Dulhan, he’s concerned as he lives with his old parents. “So, I just want everything in place on the sets. One person can infect anyone,” he says.

Echoing the concern, Amit Behl, joint secretary and chairperson, outreach committee, CINTAA, shares, “Shooting started in West Bengal, but they had to stop as things went wrong. It was the same in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Most studios in Maharashtra are in containment zones, a majority of studio floors are very cramped. So social distancing may pose a challenge.”

However, Tanusri Dasgupta, executive vice-president, Balaji Telefilms, confirms shooting of all their shows would start together and “we’ve already done mock drills to ensure there are no complications”. Others too contend “things have already been sorted” with insurance companies. They feel the idea “is to not just keep the cast and crew healthy but confident”. “And it’s very important because that will directly impact productivity and quality of work,” says Sumeet Mittal, producer of Barrister Babu and Shubharambh, which are expected to resume shooting today. “My crew for both shows will stay on the sets so there is minimal interaction with the outside world,” he says.

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.

Kamya Panjabi recently flew back from Delhi with her daughter to return to work; says unit will reside in studio, technicians already quarantined
Akash Bhatnagar (MUMBAI MIRROR; June 11, 2020)

On Tuesday, Kamya Panjabi posted a picture online with her 11-year-old daughter, both of them masked and in protective gear, returning to the city of Mumbai to resume work. For the last few weeks, the actress was in Delhi, where she had flown to just before the Coronavirus lockdown to spend time with her husband Shalabh Dang and his family.

Kamya informs that the producers of her TV show, Shakti - Astitva Ke Ehsaas Ki, have told her that they will resume shooting in the coming week. “All the arrangements are in place. We should hopefully begin on or before June 15,” she asserts, quick to add that the makers have taken measures for the safety of the cast and crew. “The unit will be residing in the studio and a cook will be hired to make healthy food for everyone. There will be constant check-ups and a nearby hotel has been booked for the actors who do not wish to travel. The technicians have been quarantined before the shooting, so that they and everyone else on the set are perfectly safe. I think we will be able to successfully pull off this new normal as far as shooting is concerned.”

The actress, who tied the knot with healthcare professional Shalabh on February 10, says they were lucky to have picked that date. “We had to decide between February and November and I preferred the latter as I wanted time to prepare for an elaborate, traditional Punjabi wedding. But Shalabh and my family didn’t want to wait,” she recalls, adding that her honeymoon, planned for March to some place where she could shop too, had to be pushed due to the lockdown. “But I got a different kind of a vacation and this time alone gave us an opportunity to come closer as a family, as otherwise, we are both busy with work. We watched movies, painted and my daughter and his 12-year-old son, who is now my son, too, fought, bonded and cooked together like siblings. I also got time to connect with my in-laws.”

Being a healthcare professional, Shalabh has been working on the field. She must have been worried about him? “I was scared, but I am also proud of the work he is doing,” she asserts.

Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; September 21, 2018)

Today, Salman Khan shoots for his special appearance in the daily soap, Shakti - Astitva Ke Ehsaas Ki, in Lonavala. He will be playing Cupid for the show’s leads, Harman (Vivian D’sena) and Saumya (Rubina Dilaik) and help them reunite after a separation.

A source from the sets reveals, “Salman will meet Saumya at a Ganpati pandal where she is looking for Harman. He calms her down and helps her deliver a message to him on national television.” Rubina will be seen performing on the song “Heer Heer” from Jab Tak Hai Jaan in the episode which airs in the coming week.

Mirror had earlier reported (September 13) that Mouni Roy and Ankita Lokhande were making special appearances in the Ganpati special episodes of the show. Mouni performed on “Ram Chahe Leela” from Goliyon Ki Raas Leela: Ram-Leela while Ankita danced to the film’s “Nagade Sang Dhol” song and “Gajanana” from Bajirao Mastani.

Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; September 13, 2018)

Mouni Roy, who rose to fame with Ekta Kapoor’s TV show Naagin and recently graduated to the big screen with Gold, is retracing her TV roots with Ankita Lokhande, of Pavitra Rishta fame, another Ekta show, who is currently shooting for her Bollywood debut, Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi.

The duo shot for a special number for the Ganesh Utsav special episode of the TV show Shakti: Astitva Ke Ehsaas Ki. While Mouni performed on the song “Ram Chahe Leela” from Goliyon Ki Raas Leela: Ram-Leela, Ankita danced to the film’s “Nagade Sang Dhol” song and “Gajanana” from Bajirao Mastani. The festive sequence is shot at a hospital where the show’s leads, Harman (Vivian D’sena) and Soumya (Rubina Dilaik), are being treated for memory loss.

“I’m super excited to be on the sets of Shakti, doing what I love the most. I jump at every opportunity I get to dance and immerse myself completely in rehearsals. This set took me back to the days when I used to shoot for Mahadev at the same studio. TV is like home, I’ll keep coming back to it. I’ve always said that I’m a proud TV actress,” Mouni concluded.

Television producer Rashmi Sharma has been growing from strength to strength with motifs such as daayans, nagins and even the occasional fly on the wall
Kunal Guha (MUMBAI MIRROR; August 21, 2016)


Clicking away on her iMac at a corner desk of her palatial office in Andheri, television producer Rashmi Sharma claims to be "a micro-manager and a workaholic". Her production outfit, Rashmi Sharma Telefilms, has churned out high TRP shows like Saath Nibhana Saathiya, Sasural Simar Ka and Swarangini. Recently, Sharma turned film producer, with the Amitabh Bachchan-starrer Pink and Days of Tafree. "We wanted a strong content-based subject for our first. When we heard the story of Pink, it was just the kind of film that we'd like to associate with," says Sharma, for whom "subject is the hero".

"Even on TV, I stick to family-oriented shows," says Sharma, who runs her production house along with her TV director husband Pawan Kumar Marut. The two met when they collaborated on the TV show Piya Ka Ghar; she was the creative head, he was the director.

At a time when the TV industry battles for eyeballs with digital platforms, Sharma is hardly bothered. "Every medium has its own audience and web and digital is not a threat to TV. In India, when the TV is switched on, the entire family assembles in front of it to watch something together. It is a part of our culture that won't change." She credits Saath Nibhana Saathiya (2010), one of her longest-running shows (six years and counting) to be her tour de force. "Prior to this show, 7 pm wasn't a timeslot when people watched TV. But this show merged early primetime with primetime." The shows popularity, Sharma feels, has to do with its message. "In the show, a saas (Kokila) teaches her illiterate bahu (Gopi) to read and write. This was a big hit and we got lots of mails from across the country, especially from Gujarat, where women of all ages were inspired to return to formal education."

Sharma also credits the medium for its potential of "connecting with the audience and inspiring them to experience what they see on TV". Her latest show Shakti - Astitva Ke Ehsaas Ki, which launched in May this year, also challenges societal norms. "The show's main character is a eunuch and yeh uske astitva ki kahaani hain. Her life is at a stage where she gets married but her in-laws are oblivious of her true identity. I feel this show will make people realise that there's no difference between them and us."

But it was Sasural Simar Ka (2011) that she calls "a trendsetter" because "it blended family drama and paranormal subjects — something no one had ever attempted on Indian television". "We introduced a supernatural character in the show which could only be seen by our show's lead and this character helps our lead unravel a murder mystery. Sasural was a family-based daily soap, so how we weaved the emotion of a spirit into the show was a learning for us."

This also happens to be the very show in which its eponymous lead Simar transformed into a housefly; the promo went viral. Despite the hoots, Sharma isn't one for negative publicity. "The offensive comments that the fly track received surprised me since in the same show, we have experimented with the daaiyan world, the chudail world, and even characters from the puranik world like Patali Devi. Also, the back story that led to Simar's transformation into a fly was well-justified," says Sharma, adding that the TRPs didn't shoot up or slide during the said sequence. "It was a 15-day track. If it lasted for longer, the reaction would've been different. Some things don't work and it is a learning experience for me and I now know that I need to be careful going forward." But she firmly adds that TRPs are not sole indicators of a show's success, at least not initially. "No channel reacts to TRPs in the first three weeks, but if there's a consistent dip and if research shows that the numbers tend to slide on a certain track, then even we can't ignore it," she says, adding that her production has never taken any drastic steps based on TRPs.

Born in Jaipur, Sharma has lived across the country, given her school principal father's transferable job. Her cross-country experiences, she feels, have contributed to her understanding and appreciation of various cultures — which she also hopes to relay in her TV shows. "Since my husband has lived in Kolkata, he was privy to the healthy hatred that Marwaris and Bengalis share and this was something we explored in Swarangini."