since Sneha Di said she wanted to read Ujjwala di's part of the story I requested her and she happily gave this feedback.
Thank u di for this wonderful feedback! Miss you....
Hope u all will enjoy reading this again!!!! Every single detail attached!!!
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By Ujjwala
A DAY OUT WITH CID
I am one of those lucky people who have followed CID from the very beginning. It's been a dream to meet the team all along especially Shivaji Satam (ACP Sir), Dayanand Shetty (Daya Sir), Aditya Srivastav (Abhijeet Sir), Dinesh Phadnis (Freddy) and Narendra Gupta (Dr. Salunkhe). Recently I happen to come across Shagnika on one of the forums, due to common interests, we got talking. Last week she started telling me how she got in touch with members from the crew and is trying if we can meet the team when she comes down to Mumbai for a few days. Every update from her was a step closer to our dream. Inspite of knowing some people from the unit, I could never bring this day in my life. I am thankful to Shagnika for doing something nobody, not even I could have done for myself. (Shagnika feel you are being blessed).
On 15th Jun 2010, Shagnika landed in Mumbai. She gave me details about location with timings and mentioned about Sneha who was also going to accompany us. Three of us spoke on the conference to decide about the plans for the BIG DAY. We hit it off on the phone call itself, it never seemed like the first time. Even after the call it did not sink in, I was excited and yet calm. Almost a decade ago when I had the opportunity to meet my favorite Bollywood Star, for the whole week I could hear nothing but my heartbeats. However this time I was strangely calm, I realized I have grown up.
Finally the day arrived - 16th Jun 2010. I had a very sound sleep, feeling fresh and raring to go. My mind was constantly working on what I will say, how I should behave. It was pouring like crazy since morning, Mumbai Rains (oh no!!). I had taken a day off from work and prayed that the shooting should still be on inspite of these showers. The time was nearing; Shagnika picked me up on the way. I met her and aunty. They are so sweet. Finally we reached the well known Inorbit Mall and picked up Sneha from there. We did not even need a formal introduction and met like long lost friends. All of us from different age groups but were amazingly in sync. Meeting net friends is always a pleasure (met 7 till now).
I was seated on the passenger seat next to the driver. Since it was still drizzling the tinted glasses of our windows were up. We started looking for the shoot location. After going here and there a bit we finally entered THE LANE. The car was moving slowly; I was looking around. The moment I looked on my left I saw Daya Sir laughing. My heart skipped a beat. It was an unbelievable moment. I can never forget that Frame, I wish I could capture it. It was such a beautiful sight. Was this real, did I really see him or am I dreaming. As these thoughts were running in my mind I saw Aditya Sir laughing and the final blow came when I saw Satam Sir. It finally struck me. THIS WAS REAL. I indeed saw them.
Unaware of what was going to hit me next, I was looking at them behind the tinted glass when the Driver paused asking where to park. I said 'yeh log to yahan hain'. He said 'acchha, main bhi to dekhoon' and he lowered my window. Oh God, How could he do that!! Satam Sir was standing right next to me and I was telling the driver 'aage chalo, aage chalo'. Just then Satam Sir looked at me. I was so embarrassed, I did not know how to react, where to look, what to do. I could not even smile. Then he smiled at me and I returned a very embarrassed smile. Finally the car was parked and we got down, all awkward. Satish (he has been a junior artist in many cases) who was to take us around, came and took us to the team.
We shook hands with everyone and introduced ourselves. Till then Dinesh Sir and Hrishikesh also came there. Team or 'Cops' as they are called there had their CID Raincoats on and were shooting on the road in that lane. Shagnika was the star; Satam Sir asked who Shagnika was among us. He said he got a letter and it was lovely; everyone except Daya Sir had read it. It was very well written and they appreciate it. He asked her about when she came to Mumbai and where she belongs, etc. He asked me and Sneha too and we said we were from Mumbai. Then Shagnika started taking out the gifts she got for everyone. Just then Satish came, he said we could wait in the Bureau and we will get enough time to meet them properly after their current scene is done. We moved towards the Bureau. This was an awkward meeting. It did not go the way I would have liked it to. I had to get a hold of myself else this once in a lifetime opportunity would go waste just being awkward and embarrassed. I did not want that to happen.
We entered the Bureau. It was such a different feeling. The setup, the furniture, the posters, the trophies, everything was so familiar but still it was first time were actually seeing them. How much I loved the CID logo that was put in different places. We sat in the circular area where team members are usually seen flipping through files or Freddy is caught snoring. We started conversing with Satish. I told him we have seen him in many cases and I always felt that he was part of the crew. He said sometimes when an artist does not turn up of various reasons he has to fill in. He told us that the Forensic Lab is on the first floor. The episode they were shooting for is directed by Nandu Kale to be aired on 25th June. After the current scene, they had three more scenes to shoot in the Bureau. The next day they had a tough outdoor schedule. I asked him, now that the rains have started, outdoor will be tough but to my surprise he said it will be much more fun now as shooting in the heat leads to members falling sick at times. This conversation helped me get back to normalcy and the awkwardness started to fade away (thank you Satish).
Satish left for some work and the three of us started to explore the Bureau, remembering scenes looking at the furniture in which they were used like the Sofa where Freddy was seen promoting India Indol - 5 or the table where Vivek was caught chatting with his girl friend, etc. It was amazing to sit on ACP Sir's chair. We had our picture taking session. I took a lovely picture of ACP Sir's office with all the lighting. This time helped the three of us to bond further. The only time we actually got with each other. The gifts and autograph books were out. Everything got by Shagnika (thanks a lot). We decided who gives what to whom. I ofcourse got the parcel meant for Daya Sir. I have been mesmerized by him ever since I saw him for the first time; something just said he was special.
The Cops were done with their shoot on the road and Satish came back to take us on the first floor. He told us that Vivek is on leave for 15 days, Jasveer is not in town and since there were no Forensic scenes to be filmed, all the three doctors were not there either. NOW, the long awaited big moment was just around the corner. I was walking up the staircase towards the making of one of my most cherished memories.
We reached the first floor where the make-up room was on the immediate left. Just as I was going to enter, I looked straight. I saw a long passage with a closed window. It was dark. Just then I saw Silhouette of a tall man come out from one of the doors and walking towards our direction. It was Daya Sir ofcourse. It was such a lovely sight, his walk just like a Bollywood Hero etched firmly in my memory. I could not take my eyes off him. I wanted to wait there at the door for him but Shagnika asked me to come in.
We entered the room and there was Satam Sir standing right in front with a Big Smile. He welcomed us and said they were happy to have us there. I went straight to him and spoke to him in Marathi. I told him that I wanted to meet him since the days of Ek Shoonya Shoonya. He was surprised - 'Ek Shoonya Shoonya pasoon baghtes'. I told him that in my conversations I address him as 'Satam Kaka' and I still remember the first time I saw him entering a police station with a smile. He gave me a hug. I asked him for his autograph. I told him I had studied in Barnes School in Deolali for two years like him. He said he studied there for 5 years. I told him that 2 years back I was working in the Interface area close to where we were now but never saw them. Last year in one of the cases I saw Daya Sir and Dinesh Sir's scene infront of my current office. I was shocked that this too has happened and I had no idea. Till then Daya Sir also entered the room. Satam Kaka asked us how we know each other inspite of being from different locations. We told him that we have met through various forums and infact this was our first meeting. He was shocked and said it was really nice that in our first meeting we came to meet them as well.
Then I went towards Aditya Sir. One of my friends is a big fan of his. I told him about her. I said we adore him as an actor. He smiled. Shagnika and Sneha were there too, we told him, he shocked us last week. 'Zindagi Aur Maut' was being flashed everywhere. He said it was all drama - "Har char mahine mein kisi officer ko phasa dete hain". That was so sweet (going by this trend beware its Daya Sir's turn after 4 months). But we told him that we all got worried. Then I sat beside him and took his autograph. I asked him that in one of BP Singh Saab's old interviews I have read that he had agreed to do CID only for 6 months, how he feels now since so many years have passed. He said initially he agreed to do 13 stories, which is 26 Episodes since CID was a half hour show at that time. But after the 26 episodes were shot, he wasn't very busy with other work commitments so when they asked him for further dates, he said 'yes', and that just continued. He feels it was destiny. I said we are just glad that he did not stick to his initial decision. I told him that I wanted to see him act, he said it was fine they will be shooting their scenes in the Bureau after lunch. I asked him that I have seen the Inorbit Mall so many times in the show, why we never realize that the shooting is on. He said they have to shoot secretly because if people get to know they will not let them work, the camera is mostly hidden or in the car. First the production crew goes out and check if shooting is possible and only then the cast go out. I could never have imagined that I could be so conversant with Aditya Sir. I respect him so much more as a person.
Dinesh Sir was sitting next to Aditya Sir on his left. Then I sat beside Dinesh Sir. He is so quiet not even 1% of Freddy. I took his autograph. I noticed he signed it as 'Freddy'. I asked him 'why', he gave a smile. That smile, his eyes, I can never forget. Aditya Sir joked with him that he has got totally into his character and forgotten his real name. I requested him to sign with his real name. There is something about Dinesh Sir which is very endearing, I can't say what but there is something about him that makes you like this person instantly. I sensed an undercurrent of sadness. I am glad I got to meet him.
I saw Daya Sir was free; Shagnika and Sneha had already met him. I went to him, and gave him his gift but there was some confusion, not sure what it was. Then I asked him for his autograph but I noticed that he was looking at his phone. I thought maybe he wanted to call someone. So I asked him if he was busy I could come later, he said no. He sat down on the chair and started to sign my autograph. Just when he was about to write "DAYA" the silly pen stopped working. Then Sneha came up and gave her pen which was like half the normal size and asked if that will do. Daya Sir said 'that's my size' (so sweet). Finally the autograph was done, he stood up. For the first time I noticed his height. He has such an amazing personality (no wonder I have been in awe of him all along). He is perfect, his height, his weight, his physique are just perfect. He need not change anything, just be this way. I feel the camera does not do justice to him; you have to see him in person. He also looks much younger than we see him on TV; this is true for Satam Kaka, Aditya Sir and Dinesh Sir as well. I told him that ever since I saw him for the first time, though I don't remember his first shot now, I wanted to see him in person. He said his first shot was way back in 1998. I asked Satish to click my picture with him on my cell phone. He was about to click when my mom called, so the camera mode stopped and the wallpaper on my cell phone which has a picture of MJ (miss him), came on screen. I took the phone, changed it back to the camera mode. Daya Sir said he was wondering how he started looking like Michael Jackson (thank you mom). I could not converse much with Daya Sir. Firstly he wasn't seated like others, he was mostly standing beside Hrishikesh, secondly I could never get over my hesitation and awkwardness with him and I wasn't getting much response from the other side either. So I took a step back and did not try to intrude into his space. I respect that side of an artist, let him be. He was the most silent and did not seem at ease in our presence, thanks to the two goof-ups atleast I got something to take back. There was so much I wanted to tell him, ask him but it was not to be. However there is not a trace of disappointment, I got to see my hero and nothing can beat that. I just adore Daya Sir too much, maybe even more than ever before.
We had our picture taking session in all possible combinations. I feel the best picture was the group picture which has everybody. Then I sat between Aditya Sir and Vaishnavi. While Aditya Sir was busy with others, I spoke to Vaishnavi and told that she is the first lady cop since Asha I have totally loved. Since her entry her body language has improved. She is very beautiful. Satam Kaka asked us why we did not try meeting them earlier, we said we did not know whom to contact, though I knew some people I was always hesitant, then one is always confused what to say, to which Sneha rightly said that in a group its different.
Then I heard Shagnika ask Aditya Sir about which his upcoming movies were. He said there weren't any. She asked about 'Kalo'. He said it's got stuck for release and from what he said it seems like that is due to some financial constraints. I told him that one of his most memorable characters is 'Inspector Khanvilkar' from Satya. I have not seen that film since a really long time but there are 2-3 scenes I distinctly remember like the scene where his senior is shot. I overheard something and I asked him from where he belonged. He said he is from UP, Allahabad. I asked him when he will return to the passenger seat beside the driver (I know it was silly). He did not get what I meant. I said that since the bi-weekly format started we miss his scenes with Daya Sir in the car. He looked at Daya Sir (I did not dare to look there) and said they are like puppets; this has to be told to the bosses. I told him that we were lucky to atleast see his episode where he acted as a criminal (he said 'achha?') as well as his first episode as inspector when he was taken out from a white car's dikki. They were super performances. We have saved those episodes on our PCs. I told him that some time back really old cases were aired when Dinesh Sir was Michael and then suddenly changed to Fredericks. Aditya Sir did not seem to know this. Dinesh Sir said that initially his name was Brian changed to Michael followed by Fredericks. I said we have no idea about Brian. In those old cases no one seemed to address each other by their names. Even ACP Sir was being addressed as Inspector. Then Satam Kaka said that Dinesh Sir has played a criminal in one of the early episodes and we said no, he was not the criminal, he played the criminal's relative. Dinesh Sir said that was the 4th Episode / Story.
Then the discussion shifted to Kissa Zahar Ka. When Sneha mentioned that it was the case which featured Sanjay Kshemkalyani, Satam Kaka remembered the case where he was killed by Cyanide while flipping through pages. He said it was the 3rd Episode / Story. I said that case had a lovely scene when he was scolding one of the officers who got scared. He gave me the look my dad gives me when I get too excited about things related to films or TV (ooops). To this Aditya Sir said - "In logon ne PDH ki hui hai". We said SONY keeps repeating 2007 to 2009 cases but they don't seem to go back to the very beginning. We are still waiting for Viren's first case, Daya Sir's first case and many more. In between there was a small interaction with Hrishikesh and I misunderstood what he asked and by the time I understood, I had already missed the bus (damn). I hope they don't remember me as a silly girl. Hrishikesh is a nice guy none the less but sorry I doubt that will change much as far as Sachin is concerned.
It was time for lunch after which they all had to get ready for the shoot. They insisted we have lunch there. Satish came and took us to a small room connected to the Forensic Lab. I asked him about the dummy they use to show a burnt corpse or mummy. He said it must be in the godown. He was all praises for the Cops; he said they have always been forthcoming and never crib. He is part of unit since 5 years. He is a very nice person; we took snaps with him as well. Then he left for a meeting.
After lunch we explored the forensic lab. We saw liquids of different colors filled in tubes and bottles of different shapes and sizes. We found a different exit. We went back to the Bureau. It was still about an hour for the cast to arrive. I was interested in observing behind-the-scene proceedings before the shooting and how the scene is planned. This was the main reason why I chose to have lunch there. As we entered, we saw the crew at work. We were given four chairs to sit. First the entire area which was going to be in the frame was cleaned. The furniture from the area which was not going to be in the frame was tucked away in one corner of the room. Then a trolley was placed on the floor for camera movement. There was a monitor for the Director to see how the shot looks, so that they could reshoot the scene if it did not fulfill their expectations. There were big lights for proper lighting and big black banners which are used to ensure that the light falls on the artist properly. A board with a map on it was placed in the center. And as the crew was at work I realized that the Bureau which looks so big and spacious on TV had suddenly become cramped with not much freedom for movement. I saw Nandu Kale overseeing the proceedings and reading what seemed like the dialogs of the scene to be shot.
It was time for the Cops to come, Daya Sir entered and looking great like he always does in a new shirt. Then one by one everyone followed, Aditya Sir, Hrishikesh, Dinesh Sir, Vaishnavi and finally Satam Kaka who smiled at us. Hrishikesh told us that now everyone's mobiles were in the covers Shagnika had gifted them. While everyone was getting ready, we saw that Daya Sir was given a paper and he read out a couple of lines in 3-4 different ways and it looked like it was being recorded. Same with Aditya Sir, he too read a couple of lines in 3-4 different ways. I was wondering why they were recording it. Then everyone got together with the director who explained the scene and dialogs to them. They all stood in their respective positions, did a couple of rehearsals - said their lines. Basically they first shoot the entire scene with everyone in the frame. Then some lines are chosen and individual close-up shots are taken separately. Earlier I and Shagnika would often discuss that if we ever got a chance to go to their makeup room we will steal away Aditya Sir's coats. To our surprise he seemed to be doing his shots without the coat. He looked younger in the black full sleeves shirt. But our happiness was short lived, as he and Satam Kaka got their coats for the final take. In between takes and retakes we saw lovely interaction between the cast, they had tea, gave us an occasional smile or asked if we needed anything.
Daya Sir seemed more like a switch on and switch off actor. I mean off camera he would be busy with something, his phone or some silent interaction with someone else or what seemed like he was humming a song but as soon as the camera was ON, his expression changed and he would turn into the Daya Sir, I know all these years. I wish Daya Sir had more lines; I wanted to see him say more dialogs. He has just one dialog and that too facing the map board. After every shot or when he was not in frame he would go and sit on ACP Sir's chair. Aditya Sir had more lines to say, he was rehearsing and saying them in different ways. Once when he fumbled during the take, I heard his genuine laughter, it was so sweet. He had mixed up two verbs and could not stop laughing. I really wanted to see him at work and it was so lovely that I got a chance. Satam Kaka is just like ACP on the sets too, when the crew starts making too much noise he gives them his ACP like scolding and there is pin drop silence. When he was improvising he was so funny at times. The camaraderie between everyone is wonderful, as an outsider I could see it, feel it.
We noticed that as soon at the camera is off, Aditya Sir and Satam Kaka would get rid of their coats as well. The temperatures are high as it is and the big lights only add more heat. It's not easy to shoot. Before Hrishikesh joined the scene, he asked us if we enjoy watching this or the show on TV, shooting must be boring to watch. I told him that what actors do we have always seen but what happens behind the camera was interesting to watch. After the scene was over, Daya Sir and Aditya Sir smiled at us and left for a dress change for the next scene. Hrishikesh was following them; I stopped him to ask about what Daya Sir and Aditya Sir were doing in the beginning when they were reading the same line in different ways. He told us that since they all are very busy they don't get the time to go to the studio and dub. So this is how they dub their lines when they are needed to. Then he left. Satam Kaka came to us; we told him that we will take leave now. He gave me a hug again as we came out. He said he will use the tie Shagnika has gifted him in one of the future episodes. We said we missed meeting Vivek and Narendra Sir. Shagnika gave him the gift meant for the missing members, he said he will give them when he meets them the next time. He said he would like to meet us again. We said bye to him and proceeded towards the car. Then all of us headed for our homes after living one of the best days of our lives. I wish the three of us had got to spend more time with each other, atleast I and Sneha can keep in touch.
On reaching home I sent an SMS to Satam Kaka for giving me a lovely memory and he replied saying that they were happy to meet us too. A lovely day when I met people I wanted to meet since so long and was so overwhelmed with the way they interacted with us. They are such sweet people. They did not meet us like strangers and that made the meeting so beautiful. My love and respect for them has increased multifold. Their working atmosphere is so wonderful; no wonder they have created such great work. I wish them all the best and hope they reach greater heights.
Thank you God for writing this day in my destiny. A warm hug and a big thank you to Shagnika who got this day in my and Sneha's life
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