Balaji studios at a stand-still
Ekta's television empire loses lakhs in floods; no shoots at Sankraman
Sapana Patil
The heavy showers that lashed the city and disrupted infrastructure, engulfed Balaji studio as well. Sankraman Studio, located at Aarey Colony in Goregaon, houses several shooting sets. Most Balaji dailies like Kkusum, Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii, Kasautii Zindagi Kay, Kahiin to Hoga, etc., are shot here.
"Water entered the studio and accumulated up to knee level. We just can't shoot there," says Moon Moon, who recently entered Kasautii Zindagi Kay.
"All property lying here, including sofas, lamp stands and other fixtures, were submerged in water. They have been sent to be repaired," said a unit member on the set. "The furniture that lay on the upper floor was safe. We have shifted some of the furniture to the upper floor," added another.
The sets in Sankraman stand bare in the rains. The paint has come off, the tiles have chipped and paintings have slid off the walls.
A lot of other material like props, a stock of paintings and shooting equipment that were kept on the ground floor, were drenched as well. "A painting cannot even be repaired," rues a unit boy.
However, the main property storeroom which houses most of the props used on the sets remained safe because it is situated on an upper level.
According to unit people, each set is valued in the range of Rs. 45 to 50 lakhs.
For the time being, shootings have been rescheduled and will take place in the Aakraman studio located opposite Sankraman. It may be a long time before work resumes in Sankraman though. The workers there are complaining of shortage of electricity.
Muck and garbage that floated in with the water still lies settled on the shooting floor. The crew members are working hard to salvage whatever they can and clear the rubbish on the sets. Also, the road leading to these sets is riddled with potholes and craters, adding to Balaji's woes.
Ekta, however, maintains: "We did not suffer much damage. Just stopped shooting."
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