TOI: Small screen lightens up-Pooja

SMALL SCREEN LIGHTS UP

Various TV channels are coming up with special Diwali episodes to grab more eyeballs

Shruti Jambhekar


Beautifully lit diyas,rangoli,breath-taking decoration,sweets,everyone in dazzling festive wear,matching accessories.No,we are not talking of Diwali celebration at ones place,but we are talking of the look of a small screen set when a special festive show is being shot.This festive season,many entertainment channels are getting into celebrating the festivals in a grand way and putting their best foot forward through special episodes or even special shows for many GECs.

If talked about the elements of the shows that producers look at,then the cost and planning are definitely done with a lot of care.How do producers go about it Producer Rajan Shahi says,Everyone looks forward to festiavls,but when ones celebrating a festival like Diwali on television,then the episodes also need to make an emotional connect with the people keeping in mind the festive mood.The celebrations should not be too loud and should appear real thats what we are focusing on.The budgets for a Diwali episode is definitely more than a regular episode. Festive looks dont come cheap.Producer Raakesh Paswan says,During festive season,audiences watch less TV.So when special episodes are aired,they attract the audience.People connect with these special episodes as everybody is in an upbeat mood.Weaving in authentic festive touches in the storyline make it look attractive.Of course our budgets shoot up when we shoot these sequences.

And how do general entertainment channels (GEC)s plan to capture the festive fervor on their respective channels Sukesh Motwani,fiction head of a GEC,says,This year the Diwali episode is grander than all the previous years.All our lead actors across primetime shows are getting together for a fun-filled antakshri.Viewers will be delighted to see their favorite stars bring the house down with their singing and impromptu jigs.The light-hearted camaraderie between the actors will reflect the fun spirit with which families across India celebrate the festival.Each day of Diwali such as Dhanteras,Bhai Dooj,Laxmi Poojan and New Year will be celebrated on a different primetime show each day,with actors of one show making surprise guest appearances on other shows. Even the actors are having lots of fun along with festivity on sets.Pooja Gor says,I couldnt be a part of Diwali Dilon Ki,but,it is always fun celebrating a festival on the sets.Though,it is a bit irritating too when we have to keep wearing heavy jewellery and sarees for days during the shoot.Since,Diwali is a festival of togetherness,so it is an absolute delight. Actor Aditya Redij says,We are yet to shoot the Diwali special episodes.But any festivity on the sets is an absolute delight.For many,Diwali at home is not as full of grandeur as it is on the sets.So all of them be it from cast or crew enjoy it to the fullest.And for many of us,who are shooting even on festive day,it is like being at home away from home for celebrating Diwali and that too with proper detailing which we might miss out at our respective places.And since we all spend maximum time on the sets,co-actors are no less than family.So,it is absolute fun. The formats of these shows are either spread over a fortnight or even as compact as one day! Albeit,there are certain channels that do not prefer having these kinds of shows- but most of them follow this pattern.No wonder then including special festive episodes have become a part of entertainment channels ! And festive celebrations do have an emotional connect.
shruti.jambhekar@timesgroup.com