After three months of lockdown, the television industry was finally gearing up to resume shooting. With due permission from the Maharashtra Government with new guidelines, shows like Kumkum Bhagya, Kundali Bhagya, Tujhse Hai Raabta, Qurbaan Hua, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa L’il Champs and Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Punjabi were to begin on June 23. However, with no clarity regarding key factors like sanitation, safety, payments, insurance and shift timings, the shoots of nine television shows were called off. Despite that two television shows Pyar Ki Luka Chuppi and Shakti - Astitva Ek Ehsaas Ki have found their way out to shoot amid the COVID-19 scare that is pretty much still there. 

Talking to a leading daily, the producer of both the shows, Pawan Kumar, confirmed that they have begun the shooting once again amid the COVID-19 scare. He revealed that they have the necessary permission from the Maharashtra Government. He further informed that all necessary safety measures are taken for the team, and they are adhering to the guidelines given by the officials. The producer said that they are sanitizing the sets every hour and undertaking all the necessary precautions and care while shooting. He said that resuming the shoots was necessary for the staff, especially those on daily wages to help them earn a livelihood.

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 The lead actor of Pyaar Ki Luka Chuppi, Aparna Dixit, recently talked to a leading daily, where she said that she is happy to be on the set again. She said that everything is different now and very few people were present on the set. Aparna also said that others were coming only when it is required. Talking about maintaining overall safety, she said that everyone is wearing masks, except the team as they cannot wear a mask on the camera. Their temperature is checked every hour, the team has to sanitize their hands frequently, and the set is also frequently sanitized, the actor said. The actress also said that the “show must go on”.

Producers of other TV shows also hope to restart shoots soon. JD Majethia, a producer and Chairman of Indian Film and Television Producers Council (IFTPC) said that they were intending to restart shoots between June 23 and June 25. However, they wanted to ensure that the permissions, standard operating procedures, and insurance are all sorted out before they begin.

(Source: TOI)