From ironing their clothes to choreographing dance sequences: TV actors get innovative to keep COVID-19 away from sets
TV shooting resumed in the mid-week of June after getting permission from the Government. And cast and crew have been following several precautionary measures as well. But recently, some unit members tested positive for COVID-19, shoots of a couple of television shows have come to a halt over the past few days. However, along with proper sanitisation measures, cast and crew have also devised some innovative ways to ensure that social distancing is maintained. (By: Neha Maheshwri)
Actors choreograph their own dance sequence
Jigyasa Singh, who is currently seen in 'Shakti — Astitva Ke Ehsaas Ki', says, “When we got to know that we can’t have a choreographer on the set, Avinash (Mukherjee) and I decided to choreograph a dance sequence ourselves.”
Ironing their own clothes
With no extra help and keeping crew members to minimum counts, many actors are doing their own vanity work for their safety. Pratibha Ranta, who features in 'Qurbaan Hua', shares, “I iron my clothes myself because it’s not safe for others to touch it.”
Call on phone instead of sending someone
Aneri Vajani aka aka Pranati Mishra from 'Pavitra Bhagya', shares, “I have asked the team to give me a ring, instead of informing me personally when the shot is ready.”
Doing make-up on their own
Aishwarya Sakhuja, who plays Ahana Singhania Khurana in 'Yeh Hai Chahatein', adds, “If I feel that I can manage it, I do the make-up on my own. That minimises physical interaction.” Pic: Instagram
Coronavirus Marshals and Hooters
Abhimanyu Singh, producer of 'Vighnaharta Ganesh' and 'Tenali Rama', says, “I have hired an agency that has deployed a marshal each on our sets to constantly educate the unit. One of the spot boys also honks a hooter if someone forgets social distancing norms.”
Staying on the set
Sumeet Mittal, the producer of 'Barrister Babu' and 'Shubharambh', has provided accommodation for his team members, including the cooks, on the set. He shares, “That’s the best way to keep everyone safe, and they are enjoying it, too. We have also allotted different meal timings for various departments to maintain social distancing.” Pic: Instagram
Constant vigil
On the set of 'Guddan — Tumse Na Ho Payega', every team member has a chair with their name written on it. Producer of the show, Ved Raj, says, “We make frequent announcements on the set, reminding everyone to maintain social distancing and wash their hands. The production team keeps constant vigil to avoid any lapses.” Pic: Instagram
I-Cards and Separate Bathrooms
About the measures on her sets, Binaifer Kohli, producer of 'Bhabiji Ghar Par Hain!' and 'Happu Ki Ultan Paltan', says, “Everyone has been assigned a spot on the floor. Even the bathrooms are assigned. Every unit member has been given an identity card. I keep visiting the sets to monitor, and have warned them of strict consequences in case of lapses.”
Social distance with an umbrella
JD Majethia, the producer of 'Bhakharwadi', has asked every unit member to carry an umbrella to work, and it has nothing to do with the monsoon. He says, “I am particular about people maintaining ‘one-umbrella distance’ on my set. My actors even rehearse holding umbrellas, and that enables the director to get an idea about how close they can come for a scene. We have rules for entering the floor as well — camera and light crew go in first along with the art department, following which the actors enter one by one.”