COVID-19 DILUTES MONSOON FLAVOUR
Pandemic puts a damper on TV’s monsoon essential rain sequences
Be it the quintessential romantic rain sequence or scenes with actors having fun as it pours, monsoon always has been an integral part of Hindi TV shows. But, given the pandemic this year, it seems monsoon sequences will have to be compromised on.
JD Majethia, TV and web chairperson, Indian Film & Television Producers’ Council (IFTPC), says, “We can’t afford to let people get drenched to shoot such scenes, as they take time, and given the weather, many might fall sick. Also, such scenes require actors to shoot in close proximity, something we can’t do in corona times.”
And as more people will be needed to manage the rain machine, Majethia adds, “We can’t have so many people on the sets, given the guidelines. We thought of a track in Bhakharwadi where Anna (played by Deven Bhojani) helps some footpath dwellers as rain plays havoc. But we’ve changed it.”
Actor Rishina Kandhari, who finds shooting rain sequences fun, also understands it won’t be possible now. “Covid scare is a reality. No matter what precautions we take, it can happen to anyone,” says the actor, who’s currently shooting for Tera Yaar Hoon Main.
And actor Mohit Malhotra, who’s working on Naagin 5, adds, “I’ve done it for Chupke Chupke, and I know the efforts such scenes require. I don’t think I would be comfortable doing them.”
But Deepak Sagar, who is directing the mythological show, Kahat Hanuman Jai Shri Ram, says rain sequences are a must for most fiction shows, irrespective of the genre. “There are tracks where Gods create sudden rain or shine, etc. This time, we’re thinking of using graphics and VFX for such scenes,” adds Sagar, who has earlier directed Kuch Rang Pyar Ke Aise Bhi and Yeh Vaada Raha.
Writers, too, are tweaking the scenes to suit the current scenario. Guddan - Tumse Na Ho Payega writer Abhijit Sinha says, “Baarish ke bina story adhuri hoti hai, especially in romantic shows. So, while we can’t shoot such scenes, we’re figuring out how to retain the flavour.”
Producer Asit Kumarr Modi shares that for a recent episode of Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, they shot a few scenes with umbrella and rain coats. “We don’t want to compromise on either the health of our cast and crew or audiences’ interest. Also, as our show highlights real-life issues, we want to show the mayhem rain creates. But, we won’t go overboard,” he shares.